Author: Clicklaw Editor

The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities produces a range of self-help resources about provincial and federal disability programs. They have produced 2012 updates for their Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) Benefits series which are now available on their website and through Clicklaw. The series includes these great resources:

• CPPD Benefits Application Guide
• CPPD Benefits Checklist
• CPPD Benefits Appeal Guide, Part 1: The Reconsideration Request
• CPPD Benefits Appeal Guide, Part 2: The Review Tribunal

 The 2012 updates reflect changes to policies and procedures that affect applications and appeals of CPP Disability programs. More information about these changes can be found on the BCCPD blog.

The proposal to expand “lawful access” is proving highly contentious in Canada. With the federal governments’ upcoming introduction of the “lawful access” bills – legislation that increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to lawfully conduct surveillance and intercept or collect individuals’ personal information – more and more people are debating where to draw the line between law enforcement and citizens’ rights to privacy.

Taking part in this debate is the BC Civil Liberties Association, whose latest report on this hot topic is now available on Clicklaw. In Moving Toward a Surveillance Society: Proposals to Expand “Lawful Access” in Canada, BCCLA argues that the “lawful access” proposals are an attack on personal privacy, and that there is a lack of real evidence to support the argument that they will ensure the security of Canadians.

Made possible by a research grant from the Law Foundation of British Columbia, this report explains each of the proposals and considers how the courts are likely to see the balance between enforcing the law and the rights of citizens.

For more information on individual privacy rights and access to information, get started with these great resources on Clicklaw.bc.ca.