Police get special arrest powers for duration of G20

Heavily armed police officers had a tense standoff with G20 protestors in Toronto on Friday, fueled by new powers that allow police to arrest anyone coming within five metres of the summit security zone.

CTV Toronto: Paul Bliss on the expanded powers

Controversy flared when it became known Ontario had quietly expanded police powers to protect the G20 security fence. Paul Bliss reports.

CTV Toronto: Natalie Johnson with reaction

Civil libertarians are calling the moved to quietly expand police powers around the G20 security fence to be going too far. Natalie Johnson reports.

CTV Toronto: Alicia Markson gathers opinion

Most Torontonians weren't too upset by a law that allows people to stop and question people near the G20 security fence. Alicia Markson reports.

CTV Toronto: Naomi Parness on the demonstration

Relations between police and protesters turned testy on Friday afternoon, with at least one protester wrestled down. Naomi Parness reports.

CTV News Channel: Rob Cooper, 'A' News

An 'A' correspondent speaks to OPP Sgt. Pierre Chamberlain on whether or not security officials in Huntsville, Ont. will be needed in Toronto, and how fast they can get there

CTV News Channel: Tara Hodgkinson, searched

A researcher who was searched by police along with her friends shares a first-hand account of how police stopped the group in downtown Toronto and made them open their backpacks and show ID.

CTV News Channel: Julia Burke, 'A' News

An 'A' News correspondent in Toronto says there has been a small victory for civil liberties groups, after a judge told the Toronto Police Service they must get procedures for use of the LRAD sound cannon in line with OPP policies.

CTV News Channel: Bill Blair, part one

The Toronto police chief reacts to the judge's decision to allow police to use sound cannons as a security measure and takes heated questions from reporters about the police's security plans.

CTV News Channel: Bill Blair, part two

The Toronto police chief takes questions from reporters about the regulation that will allow police to arrest anyone near the G20 security fence who refuses to identify themselves or agree to a police search.

CTV News Channel: Alan Bell, security expert

A security and terrorism expert explains the security measures being taken for the G20 summit and their necessity, while also saying sound cannons could be used as a potential weapon.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Activists and protesters clash with police while marching along the streets of downtown Toronto during the G8/G20 Summits on Friday, June 25, 2010. (Darren Calabrese / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Selected Comment

The people here who are saying it's okay to be randomly harassed by police under this police state legislation are probably cops. This is designed to intimidate the public, and it's the police and the elites way of showing who is in charge. If the public is harassed, they will comply. You think this arbitrary ID check is going to protect you from a terrorist? Umm, Osama Bin Laden isn't going to walk around with a Driver's License that reads 'Osama Bin Laden'. This is state sanctioned harassment. Don't bother with McGuinty or Harper (Proroguey) with the next election.

Brian

Police get special arrest powers for duration of G20

talking about
Police get special arrest powers for duration of G20

Got something to say?

CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Fri. Jun. 25 2010 8:07 PM ET

There is a heavy security presence in downtown Toronto as protesters gear up for more G20 marches this weekend, angered by new police powers which were passed quietly by the Ontario government.

Critics have compared the new regulation to Canada's War Measures Act, while police say the law is a preventative measure aimed at keeping the public safe.

Earlier in the day, locals spending time in Queen's Park -- about two kilometres from the security perimeter -- were searched by police officers.

Tarah Hodgkins said the officers told her that it was within the law to ask for identification and to search her belongings.

"They enacted the public works law and said that they are basically searching anyone who is walking through the park," she said.

Nick McNight, who was also searched, echoed concerns that the police powers were unbecoming of a democratic country.

"I think that a lot of Canadians have the illusion of freedom, but it's really been taken away," he said.

The new regulation temporarily alters the Public Works Protection Act to designate the entire security perimeter surrounding Toronto's convention Centre as a "public works" site during the summit. The Act usually covers provincial and municipal buildings, as well as public utilities.

The extension of the act under the regulation allows police to ask anyone within five metres of the perimeter to identify themselves or be searched.

Police chief defends law

A combative Toronto police Chief Bill Blair defended the law to the media Friday, saying the change was not "secretive." He said that while the media was not informed, the changes to the law were published online on June 16 and the new regulation could have been searched on Google.

Blair said he asked the province for the new regulation several months ago because he wanted a clear articulation of the law because he thought protest organizations might challenge police authority under Common Law.

He said a citizen has a right not to identify themselves and they are free to leave the restricted area around the fencing. However, officers may arrest the person if they appear to be causing a problem and do not leave the area.

Responding to news of the regulation, the Toronto Community Mobilization Network slammed police for not making the new provision public sooner.

"This act values public property over the freedom of people," the TCMN said in a statement.

New rules expire on June 28

Anyone convicted under the provisions of the act could face up to two months in jail or a $500 maximum fine.

The regulations were passed earlier this month by provincial cabinet using what is known as a "covering" order-in-council. The changes were not debated in the Legislature.

The regulation is written so that it took effect on Monday and will be revoked June 28, the day after the summit.

The law appeared on the province's e-Law website last week, but won't be officially published until July 3 -- by which time, the regulation will have expired.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association said in a media statement that it "is obviously extremely concerned about the implications of this measure" and says it will seek to challenge the regulation.

Civil rights lawyer Paul Cavalluzzo said the regulations were not publicized in a fair and transparent way and would have been challenged in court if there was more time to do so.

"These regulations . . . are clearly contrary to the Charter of Rights," he told CTV News Channel.

NDP MPP Peter Kormos is furious with the new regulation, saying Blair's defence of the new regulation is "wrong."

He said the legislation was meant to protect public works, like water works or energy generating plants, and the new regulation is overreaching.

Kormos also had strong words for the Dalton McGuinty government, saying MPPs allowed themselves to be strong-armed into doing the police's bidding.

"There were no opportunities for parliamentarians to dispute this," he told CTV News Channel. "This should be very disturbing to all Ontarians.

"This is wacky stuff. It belongs in Kafka novels, not in Ontario."

There are already regulations in place that give police the authority to question anybody inside the restricted zone, from June 14 until June 28. Const. Tim Garland, spokesperson for the Integrated Security Unit, says anyone walking in that zone can be stopped and questioned.

Ontario Provincial Police Chief Julian Fantino said that the measure was a "preventative" one that will protect the leaders, the public, the protesters and police.

"This is not a sneak attack approach on the part of police," he told CTV's Power Play from Huntsville, Ont.

"It has a very limited life, if you will," he added. "It all expires on the twenty-eighth of June."

Comments are now closed for this story

Jake in Florida
said

Can they throw all of the Communist/Union protestors in jail? That would solve all of our economic, social, and political problems!

Roger the Grey
said

I don't see what all the fuss is about. This is a temporary measure to ensure the safety and security of the G8 leaders. Once they're gone, everything will be back to abnormal and people can do whatever they could do before in and around that area. It's not the end of the world, people! There's more to the GTA than that little area; and there's more to Ontario than that little speck on the map.

mik
said

we need to start kicking some politicos butt .....since when do these politicians start taking away our rirgts and imposing police law without the people that are paying for it knowing about it .......I think that we will do the same thing to Squinty Mcguinty when we get rid of him and then tell him that we cancelled his pension forever.......:-)

angela
said

I'm really surprised at how people's attitudes towards protesters are... they aren't causing any disruption and Canada has the most peaceful protesters around, considering the violence that occurs in other countries. So what if someone wants to protest that water should be a right and not a commodity. Perhaps you've never stood face to face with someone from south america, who had family shot because they went around a fence to drink water from a stream... People in Canada are so damn complacent and ignorant to the plights of others around the world and in our own country. This truly is a nation of ME ME ME. We have the fundamental right as Canadians to protest on the streets we pay for, on the parliament buildings we pay for, to the politicians we pay for.Welcome to Democracy. If you don't like it, go to another country that is more to your liking. I hear China or Tibet is nice this time of year.

Larry I Ontario
said

I have no problem with this. These protesters are thugs and miss guided people. What do people expect when the most powerful people in the world are in our city? they must be protected from these thugs. I support Dalton and our fine police force and no I am not a cop!

Ken
said

The conservatives have turned Canada into a police state. The Ontario government is nothing more than a branch of the feds, carrying out Harpers bidding. Time to elect a liberal majority government.

JoB
said

Reading comprehension must be non existent for the "we live in a police state people". "The regulation is written so that it took effect on Monday and will be revoked June 28, the day after the summit. "Also comparing Harper to Hitler is honestly very sad and is very hypocritical, demonizing someone is exactly what the Nazis did to gain public support for their actions, but you all knew that too right. Hello pots have you meet mr kettle.

Kooper
said

Isn't there anyone out there, lawyer, politician, who will challenge the legality of the way this legislation is being applied? If they can randomly designate a location Public Works, what's to stop them from designating your neighborhood as such, and thus letting the police randomly search you or your property? These are laws created by fascist regimes to keep the people at bay, they are not to protect the people from harm. A criminal will not carry ID saying he's such and such a criminal. A little child even knows that. And last time I checked, there were cops being arrested for things like robbery and drug trafficking. So who's to say the 'terrorists' aren't dressed as cops?

Mickey M
said

Hello sheeples! "If you're not a criminal you have nothing to worry about". Did you even finish Gr 7? Do you not understand what the bylaw says?If you do not provide ID, they can search or arrest you. In other words, you can be Mother Theresa, if you aren't carrying 'your papers', the gestapo can send you to The Eastern Ave Guantanamo Bay. And they aren't just doing it near the fence, they're doing it everywhere downtown. And they're keeping it secret where they can do it.These are not the actions of a government out to protect the people. If they cared about what people thought, they'd have the photo-op, I mean summit, somewhere rural.

Brian
said

Eric Miller - Calgary.
said

It's a great security measure for the protection of legitimate participants. Hopefully it will do what it's intended to do discourage the potential trouble makers from loitering in and around that area.

Eric.

Gary
said

My opinion is there are going to be police tauntings since authority is not respected.

The rioters will then be hit and assaulted and will blame the police.

Meanwhile the sane rational person will have left the scene and will come next week when the queen is in toronto for happier times.

I have gone to the Vancouver fireworks that attracts 450 000 people per night and witnessed many people who just want to cause problems.

stephen
said

The fence really should be protected. They're rare. Really I'm wondering about the five metres. Why five?

Bucko
said

This is nothing more than a case of overkill.

Lyndsey in Calgary
said

Whats next....Marshall Law?

This creeps me out!

Saywhat
said

Good Call. Timely decision. Sometimes the people we trust for our protection need to be trusted to make the right decisions. It's all about prevention and ensuring your safety. Support your government and your police force they for one are doing their jobs instead of whining about what should be done.

kman
said

To all of you who are all too happy to quote the charter of rights and freedoms ..... allow me to retort. Sec (8)is it unreasonable to search or seize chattel from somone who is kowingly loitering in a secure area and refuses to cooperate with identified authorities and move along? Sec (9) being combative negates the term "arbitrarily". If you choose to cooperate then you shall be left alone. Sec (32 sub 1) part (c) PEACEFUL does not mean gas masks, rocks, weapons of any kind, mob mentality, looting, destruction of private or public properties or any other kind of mischief. Part (d) freedom of association is subject to a few provisos i.e. that the organization/group you choose to associate with is legal and for legal purposes/activities. Otherwise you should, by your argument, be free to join Al Qaeda. On that note, for all of you social libertarians out there, would you so voraciously defend Timothy McVeigh? The Toronto 18? Please remember that there is a fine line between freedom for all and freedom for those that would wish to do you serious and grave harm.

Craig in Calgary
said

Watching the protesters and rioters on TV right now. The protesters complain about the police and swear they are non-violent and that the officers aren't necessary. Then they go ahead and yell and attack the officers. Well which is it? Obviously we need all the police to protect everyone - delegates and protesters alike. When I was a kid I was told to respect the law and the officers, not yell in their face and spit all over them. Throw them all in jail if they are causing a disturbance. How about a little respect?

MGW
said

Well said Kevin...finally a bit of rational thinking in the midst of all the conspiracy theorists

Paul
said

Stop overacting or hyperventilating. Good people with nothing to hide need not fear. It is the rabble-rousers and people who protest for just any reason under the sun that is making a big fuss out of this. To these people I say, get a life.

Donald
said

The original law was passed in 1990.

This a temporary change.
For those complaining about the rights to freely protest and demonstrate why is it that the ones always causing the problems need to hide their faces with bandanas, etc.
Please most of these protesters are legitimate and should have no problem providing ID. Those that don't want to provide ID are probably just trying to see how violent the demonstrations can get.

Kevin Shea
said

To Steyr : it's not fascism Steyr - it's called " getting tough on crime " ! There is a huge difference !

Kevin Shea
Ottawa

Marc
said

Police should have these powers all the time. If your not doing anything wrong, then what's to worry about. Human rights have gone way too far. If your a criminal, sorry, you shouldn't have rights. I'm sick of the hugs for thugs mentality people seem to have now.

Kevin
said

If you are a law abiding citizen - then you have nothing to worry about ! If you are not - then you will have plenty to worry about - and I do hope they end up arresting all of the latter !

Kevin Shea
Ottawa

Jim - North Saanich, BC
said

As I understand this,the "law" was passed by the Ontario Legislature which, last time I looked at least, is a liberal majority government. To blame this on Stephen Harper is nothing short of butt ignorance or outright stupidity, there being little difference in the two.

That being said, let's hear no more criticism of the Chinese government over the issues of human rights abuses. Mr. McGinty and his majority government have implemented the same level of justice and concern for civil rights as the Chinese and said to hell with nearly 900 years of English common law under which our justice system is predicated! May there NEVER be another G-8 or G-20 in Canada in my lifetime.

Steyr, Toronto
said

Seems the tip of fascism has wedged itself into Toronto

JMB
said

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." ~ Goethe "I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it." ~ Thomas Jefferson “Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

wdm.....at berwick..
said

much ado about nothing....most of these comments seem to be by disinfranchised ndp party members.....maybe we should not have any police there at all...just call them when the pissed off squeegie kids....and skate borders ...green freaks....break through the fence....wdm

adrianltg
said

This is GREAT news! Let us not loose sight of the reason why these powers were asked for. Perhaps our media should spend a little more time in the shoes of the authorities rather than pandering to the few morons who would have us believe they have anything of value to contribute to our existence.

Ian
said

The residents of Toronto are slowly being introduced to a POLICE STATE. Under the guise of "security", "protection" and "safety", they are making their powers absolute, and anything they wish illegal.

Kay
said

Last time I checked this was against our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Section 8:Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure.Section 9:Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.

Paul
said

So the Libs talk about Harper's secretive Government and McGuinty's clan is enacting secret police state laws. They may not flock together, but they're certainly birds of a feather !

Disgusted
said

Hello? Anyone, out there? Politicians???

Don't you know, the natives, the great unwashed, the poor, sighs, people, have had enough. Billions, not just billions, but we're talking BILLIONS, of taxpayers money spent on this fiasco. Every person I've talked to said, um, it's 2010, why aren't these Gentlemen, and yes, I use the term lightely, conducting these circuses via modern technology. Ie, video conferencing.

Way too much money spent, way too many people upset, angry, taking sides, The media drooling. The police arming. It's all very disturbing and disgusting. And costing, BILLIONS. And 10% at best of these promises will be kept.

It's just plain crazyness and everybody knows.

Al in Orillia
said

Viral Venus said: Ontario government would comply without letting it be known since they are now taking the heat.No one is taking a lot of heat for this, the media as usual gives the squeaky wheel the oil and probably should have made a bigger deal about the poll, that showed, that 3/4 of Canadians were ok with the summits. But feel free to keep whinning anyways.See? You still have freedom!

Al in Edmonton
said

I'm glad to see the government is acting decisively and with guts. Good on them. Obey the laws of this country, and you have no fear of being arrested.Wearing a gas mask? Hiding your face? Wearing body armour? Carrying weapons? Destroying property? UNDER ARREST. Plus, I hope that anyone from another country who breaks the lawswill be deported immediately with no chance of ever setting foot on Canadian soil again.

Tom
said

"the changes to the law were published online on June 16 and the new regulation could have been searched on Google"That is the biggest load of crap i have ever heard, first how the heck would we know what to search for if we didnt even know it existed.Second, i guess google is the "offical" parlament law search tool

whitewolf
said

its time to replace people like Bill Blair and the Mayor as well for their total lack of respect for peoples rights...this city doesnt belong to them, it belongs to every canadian

we are becoming a damn police state and thats exactly how the elitist want it

we as canadians will not allow this this to continue

debbie
said

Once again Comrad McGuinty removes our constitutional right's...democracy right to dictatorship in old Ontario...

chris
said

I find it ironic that those people complaining about a "Police State" have the freedom to share their thoughts on a website with anyone, and feel safe enough to do so. The measures taken are reasonable considering the threat level for these world leaders. Imagine if you will, the measures that will follow in this country if security were to fail and a leader was harmed. Appreciate what we have Canadians. Outside of our glass houses, the world is a dangerous place.

scott
said

Canada has become an example to the rest of the world on how to turn what was once a democracy into a police state without firing a shot.

Ryan from what I thought was a free country....
said

Since when do we have to give a reason to show ID? I can walk down the street without any ID, and it's not illegal. Likeness to the former East Germany may be strong worded, but it is a likeness.

What do our veterans think who fought, and fight for our country, to find out that our elected officials are more concerned about 'appearances' than civil liberties, ones that people dies to protect.

Shameful is what it is. If this were France, you would have riots over this. In North America, the people are afraid of the government, in France, the government is afraid of the people.

I can deal with G20 being located in one of the largest cities in the world, and the closures of major highways, adding hours of traffic jams, enormous carbon emissions and even the fence. But this is gone too far. What�s next, shoot on sight?

Vaughan Owen Sound
said

To all those who are worried about loosing your freedoms and rights today check back in most of the same laws before they were revised over the decades. You will find you havemore freedoms and protections today. Eg. Ontario Highway Traffic Act in the 30's a driver could be arrested on reasonable grounds for a red light infraction.Liquor License Act could result in arrest and vehicle impounded for possession of liqour outside your residence. Etc Etc. Stop the conspiracy mindset and let the police do their job

Giuseppe
said

All these stupid Summits should be held at the United Nations and give them the money for security, wasting our time and economy of shutting down our cities whenever they feel so, these public sector secirity are making too much money in overtime is what there all want.

reidjr
said

LhI think its deeper then that some think they have a right to do as they please.A perfect exzample is the fire bombing in ottawa in may some people did not see anything wrong with what they did.

viral venus
said

It would be naive to think that the Federal government had no input on this policing policy change. It is a bit surprising that the Ontario government would comply without letting it be known since they are now taking the heat. We may never know all the backroom deals that happen between our deliberately secretive levels of government.

LDL in ONT
said

To Doug # BC, Thank you, well said. Also thank you to Wendy for your usual contribution of dribble.Side Note to participants of the First Nations protest march yesterday. Organized, Peacefull, and you supplied security of your own. Well done. That is how you get my attention to your cause.

Thomas
said

This:'He said a citizen has a right not to identify themselves and they are free to leave the restricted area around the fencing. However, officers may arrest the person if they appear to be causing a problem and do not leave the area."

Lock 'em up!
said

Does that mean they can put Burke in jail for making Phaneuf captain??!!

George in Vancouver
said

We have too many extreme leftists in this country. I hope they don't give us a bad name during the summit.

Richard in Ontario
said

@Steve. Please spend some time learning to read. This article has nothing to do with Mr Harper. To Wendy, slag the Police all you want, but also hope that at some point you don't need an officer's help.And John Halifax NS. On some quotes from one of your posts as you give us a lesson on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms..."Freedom of Peaceful Assembly", "Freedom of Association" "Freedom from search and siezure", somehow I must have missed the part where the police aren't permitted to ask for ID.. Could you quote that part for those of us that can't find it and I also don't understand what part of "Peaceful Assembly" is it that some protesters don''t understand.

Fantasm
said

Prior to WWII a certain man named Hitler gave hios police special powers to curb the protests and demonstrations. He also used propaganda to manuipulate the people. Often by paying people to uphold his view that it was for the good of the country...
" Harper said we wouldn't recognize Canada by the time he was done with it."
Oddly, Hitler said the same thing about Germany...
Hitler
Harper
The more things change, the more they stay the same...

Kman
said

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE! (yes, I know I am shouting). This is not so bad, we have a small area of the city that has been made a secure zone. It inconveniences you at best and here you are railing on about police states and such! If it were not for the nut job protestors there would have been no need for that much security. This may be the most expensive summit meeting to date, however, there are 2 summits at once in 2 seperate venues and all of the security measures are in place as a result of PAST summits and the lessons learned. Acroyear, you are not LE you are a reservist at best and short on time ... having been one for the last 16 years I can smell it. You should realise that someone refusing to be identified and refusing to cooperate in an area they know they should not be in can turn very dangerous very fast. I don't think it unreasonable for our police to ask for ID and to arrest those who are openly combative. Furthermore, this has nothing to do with the Conservative government so please fix your broken left wing rhetoric. Oh yeah, the fake lake cost 2 million ... not billions and the federal Liberals can waste that in about 15 mins, so relax, okay?

Cathy in Orillia
said

So much for civil liberties.

Ryan (Mississauga)
said

Who cares....Just stay away from downtown until Monday and worry a bout thing's you can control.

Jenn
said

Canadians are really a paranoid bunch. This isn't Harper's plan for a police state; this isn't a way for police to unfairly infringe on your rights; it's a temporary law to give police more power when dealing with uncooperative protestors. I am positive they won't be pinning women and children to the fence and hauling them away in handcuffs. A bit a reasoning probably wouldn't kill most...

Bill in BC
said

An aweful lot of whiners here.

farmer fred
said

@JP{C in SKWrong about Miller. This is the Dalton McGuinty gang. When did Canada stop being a democracy?

LH
said

The problem I see hear is with us Canadians. Most seem to be living in this fantasy world were nothing bad will ever happen in Canada. Wake up! These are preventative measures and are not permanent! Comparing these measures to that of a "police state" and "east Germany" is such a joke. No wonder Canada is not highly regarded on the world stage.

Al in Orillia
said

Then Jeremy says:"Whoever planned this did not think things through"Are you kidding me? the most extensive security ever undertaken for any event and nobody thought it through? It's obvious who's not thinking it through here!

Brian from Winnipeg
said

If protesters didn't feel compelled to exercise what they all seem to see as their inherent right to use violence to draw attention to their respective causes - then there wouldn't be the genuine need to empower the Police to act accordingly, and protect us law abiding citizens, as well as our country's guests. However, as protests and demonstrations at events like this now inherently include violence, then it behooves the politicians and the police to protect those attending the meetings and the rest of the public from all these self righteous thugs who seem to see their cause as a blank cheque for all the violence, looting and mayhem they can possibly create. What ever happened to peaceful demonstrations?

hatrock
said

If you liked Trudeau and complain about Harper then remember, "Just watch me."

Chuck
said

This summit is bringing out the worst in Canada.

Sober, Newmarket
said

If it's not your fence, don't go inspecting it.

Vince M
said

Natasha - "Modifying people rights and freedoms at the last minute to suit the needs of the event" is not true. They deemed the security fence a public work and therefore it fell into an existing law as if it were a government building site. No rights or freedoms were modified... that would require a change in the constitution.

Key in the Peg
said

It is very clear that many people in this comment forum didn't have their TVs on on Sept 11th. These are the same people who will say we as "Canadians" shouldn't have such a "Police State" yet the minute one of the leaders is assaulted or a. god for bid, terrorist attack happens will scream, "Why didn't we do more"Let the government govern and the arm chair quarterbacks without all the information...zip it and enjoy the freedom your amazing country provides!!!

David in the Sault
said

Niagara George, you surely aren't serious? Your'e drawing a parallel with Nazi Germany? Is that how WWII started -- the Nazis began demanding people's ID along a security perimeter, and then suddenly they are invading Poland? Al in Orillia is right -- the security measures being taken are REASONABLE.

Jeremy
said

Whoever planned this did not think things through. If they wanted a secure location, they could have picked a city that did not have the largest urban population in Canada and thus saved hundreds of millions of dollars. I can see how these special powers would help the police in this situation to keep order, but it is unnerving for the population and completely unnecessary because they could have held it somewhere more secure.

Hammer
said

I'm all for it - Canada will be in the International spotlight and security is essential to keep the 'bleeding hearts' at bay!

Canadians should be proud to be part of the G8 countries and has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the world's leaders.

If you don't want to be detained because your sniffing around a secured area with a back-pack then don't go there.

Richard in Ontario
said

@John Halifax NSIt's so easy for you to continue to criticize PM Harper but it shows you really aren't aware of what goes on beyond your NS borders. What is it you don't understand about security? It really doesn't bother anyone of us that obey the law.Besides as mentioned this article talks about what was passed by Ontario. Having said all that, does anything ever happen in NS that really would instigate a Protest? I'm sure you look silly on the streets with your I Hate Harper sign, all by yourself.

Bill
said

For all G20 impacted businesses, business persons, vacationers and persons in general. Send your statement of Claim as an invoice to Harper and McGuinty for your costs direct and indirect including inconvenience and loss of enjoyment. This is very clear approach to articulate, quantify and make audit-able the public cost. Then use your vote.

Jay
said

I find it very scary some of youf eel protetst trump safety.So what if some or many get hurt so what if buldings are damamged so what if its a free for .As long as we have our rights thats all that matetrs that is what some of you more or less are saying.By the way and this is going to hurt this was the liberal with this new law not harper.

Al in Orillia
said

Niagara George and BC Girl: You claim to understand how important it is to protect what YOU perceive as our rights, then call those of us who disagree with you " non thinking hordes" you claim to understand how history proves your point, but like a lot of other posters , use places like East Germany as an example. I don't believe that you have the intellect to speak on our behalf. You might very well be the the ones in need of a history lesson.

Kaptin
said

Well, if nothing else, Miller ... *PTOOIE* ... has made T.O. the most talked about city in the world.

I'd go NDP before I'd go Liberal *PTOOIE*

Phil
said

I propose a law that all current politicians not be allowed within 5 metres of parliament!

David
said

I think the police should be able to search anyone at anytime anywhere in the country, I would have no problem being stopped and checked, I have nothing to hide. too many people are walking around the streets packing weapons and looking for trouble, knowing that the cops need a reason to check them out.the legal system in this country allows criminals to circulate among us and it is not right.

Ken Munn
said

Nothing wrong with the expanded powers the police have. What is wrong is the these new powers were enacted.....

F. Forth
said

Lets stop debating about the need for this, but the real issue is that is was done secretly. This is what cannot be tolerated. We all understand the need for security in the Post 9/11 era, however we cannot give up our civil liberties without knowledge of the changes and what they mean. This whole situation now begs the question - "what other secret regulations have been promulgated for this G8/G20?"

Al in Orillia
said

John, Halifax, NS, The key word there is unreasonable and when determining security requirements for an event of this magnitude, the obvious risk of some terrorist plot perpetrated is real. Asking people who are hanging around, a well advertised secure zone, for ID is not only reasonable, but not doing it would be called incompetent by everyone if a breach were to take place.

Niagara George
said

BC Girl... is exactly right. Those who cheer on this new erosion of rights and freedoms do so with little or no understanding of world history. Many nations have been down this road in the past. The journey always leads to the same place. In the beginning, the steps are gladly accepted by the non-thinking hordes who 'know' the laws and government actions will never affect 'good people' like themselves. Their thought is that the 'bad guys' will finally get what they deserve. History shows that as the government gains power, the list of 'bad guys' grows, longer and longer. In Germany, it took 3 years to go from gypsies, to homeless, to mentally ill, to opposition, to the Jews. It is easy to say, we are on a different path and that will never happen here. I hope that is true, but we all know that power does corrupt, and these neoCons are not immune to the same inner thirst for power that every other ideological-driven government has felt.

Ben, Edmonton
said

A summit with a boatload of world leaders is not a time to get up to suspicious civil disobedience. Of course people should be able to protest but if they're going to screw around, yeah, lock 'em up.

JR
said

I cannot believe how silly people are, everytime there is a little change in routine for a few days.The only thing I wonder is why don't they keep it quiet where the next G8 or G20 summits is being held and no one would give a dam.

reidjr
said

John, Halifax, NS
So i guess by your logic its only the protesters rights that matter no ones esle is that right.

Doug # BC
said

You just have to love the whining of the usual Harper Haters. It's always the same spin,just applied to a different story.To many constantly complain about how security infringes on their rights,but refuse to take a tough stand against those thugs and criminals that make tight security a necessity. Look.Being in Olympic Vancouver was not easy for everyone either.Suck it up.This is a very short period of time,and it is part of the price of admission if Canada is to be taken seriously when global issues are discussed. This has been a tough period of time for a lot of people in Canada.Expensive too.The Olympics in Vancouver,Afghanistan,a global economic meltdown,Haiti,these conferences.We either become a "can do" nation,or one that rolls over and surrenders in the face of tough times.The rest of the world will judge us by how we react to tough times.We can either be looked up to as a ntion willing to meet challenges,or be dismissed as a nation of cry babies.And believe me,if you think that assessment is not important to the future of Canada,you have your head buried somewhere. C'mon Ontario.Show some backbone and send the radical demonstrators,thugs,and bank bombing criminals packing.They're the ones who really deprive you of your freedom.I don't like Dalton very much either,but this is a job he has to get done properly.An attack on a foreign leader on Canadian soil would be a disaster that would haunt us all for generations to come. ALL our party leaders know these are necessary precautions.It's only goverment leaders who say so.Not much different than when Trudeau imposed the War Measures Act.PRO PATRIA

Max Wedge
said

Winnipeggersaid 'all you whiners who says this is a police state, North Korea and even East Germany.....Probably have never been to any of the above examples and making assumptions of what it might be like. Really? If you haven't visited a police state or a country run by a dictator, you should keep your ridiculous comments to yourselves. Get over it!'
Actually, wise guy, I've been to several police states....including West Germany - places where they kill you for trying to leave...This is how it starts - police asking for extra power and political shills governments giving it...quietly so no one comlains until it's too lateGet over it? Get over yourself.PROTEST THIS!!!

Andre Setton
said

I think the scariest thing is that one man, the Minister in charge, can make the decision to temporarilly suspend basic fundamental rights. Why wasn't the Ontario Parliament recalled on this? I am sure this measure was planned a long time ago and that Parliament was still sitting. If the legally and democratically elected representatives of the people of Ontario would agree to this, it would be one thing. But the way it was handled clearly was underhanded (announced after it was enacted, on a Friday).
This while things shows how fragile our rights are, with or without a Charter of Rights and Freedom. Basically it tells us that the McGuinty Government is prepared to wave our rights whenever it is more convenient. Good policing is hard work. Depriving people of their fundamental rights is just so much easier!

MARG MM
said

Well, it is good to see that some people actually DID read the article before posting. The others, on the other hand, are so full of hated for PM Harper that if it was announced that a grizzley bear "ate" a reporter, you would somehow blame it on him. Perhaps this time, if you must blame someone, blame the LIBERAL Premier of Ontario, as it is his Government that put in the legislation. As to whether is is necessary or not, if society wasn't full of extremists hell bent on destruction, probably not, but unfortunatly today, we live in a society where anything is possible, so we should be prepared. Comparing this to a police state, North Korea,etc,etc, just shows how paranoid some people can become, which just worsens the situation. We have it so good in Canada that people line up to get in. Why can't you be thankful, instead of being so full of hatred and negativity.If you stay out of trouble, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.Besides, letting your blood pressure go "sky high" is bad for your health.

Muskegman
said

It is kind of spooky the this law was quietly passed by the Ontario government but... Canadians have always been required by law to produce some type of identification when asked to do so by a Police/Peace officer.

Kal, Oshawa
said

Our country will only remain free as long as we allow the police to do their job. If the police are hobbled then the anarchists and criminals take over, making Canada unsafe for law-abiding citizens. Professional protesters who are willing to resort to violence to forward their agenda have no respect for democracy and freedom. The majority must speak in a democracy and the minority that is unwilling to accept the democratic process should move to a country that has a majority they can agree with. Trying to change things in a democracy through the use of violence is a criminal and treasonous act.

Vaughan Owen Sound
said

This is not NEW law. It is a Provincial Statute that has been in effect for decades. The only thing changed by the regulation is the definition of the area it covers. It has widen the area of a public building as defined by the statute. As for those who cry about not being told, its been documented for some time and according to common law "ignorance of the law is no excuse."

B. Kelley, Ontario
said

Why are so many people upset.? There is a strong precedent for this law that was brought in to satisfy the liberal element. Remember that no one can protest within 20 meters of a Toronto abortion clinic so why the indignation at simply being asked to produce identification within 15 meters of a security fence? It seems that principles are a matter of convenience only for the left.

Paul
said

I guess the provincial government of ONTARIO (WHICH ARE LIBERAL) has considered it's citizens as FRIENAMIES OF THE PROVINCE.

Oh well, there another shot at dismantling democracy at it's basic level.

GO LIBERALS GO.

Phil Paine
said

The word for it is Communism. Hu Jin-tao takes this kind of police power for granted. Canadians should react to it with disgust. Harper's political philosophy is Communism with a different bunch of slogans, but the same substance.

Kaila
said

Last time I checked a Marshall law could only be passed in a time of extreme emergency or danger. This qualifies as neither. This legislation seems rather unconstitutional to me. But I doubt Harper or McGuinty really care.

reidjr
said

daryn
You do not have a right to cause harm or damamge you do not have a right to cause fear.So no there not stopping on your right there protecting them from others.

David J
said

@Mdudak..."This is appalling!This is not MY CANADA!" Aren't we talking about a few blocks in downtown Toronto? @Alyx... yes, we need to keep the situation in perspective - the entire country is not under martial law, the way some commenters are suggesting.

JFJ
said

Good. Remember Seattle.

Bill in Oshawa
said

Does anyone seem to recall another city in which they built a wall, prevented people from moving around, questionned them at random, made the citizens fear their own police? Oh right, that was Berlin wasn't it. How sad is it that things have gotten to this point. 30 years ago we were on the right side of the wall, fighting injustice, tyranny, and evil. Now the line is blurred, with corrupt leaders needing to build a billion dollar fence of iron, concrete, police, and weapons for a simple meeting. I long for the days when Canada was a bastion of freedom, democracy, and human rights. When we stood up for what we believed in.

Winnipegger
said

All you whiners who says this is a police state, North Korea and even East Germany.....Probably have never been to any of the above examples and making assumptions of what it might be like. Really? If you haven't visited a police state or a country run by a dictator, you should keep your ridiculous comments to yourselves. Get over it!

John, Halifax, NS
said

"Jimsaid If a uniformed officer of the law asks you for ID, what valid reason could you have for refusing to show it? "Jim, here is your answer:Section 8 (Charter of rights and freedoms)"Search or seizure8. Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure."Section 9.Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned. 32(1) This Charter applies (b) to the legislature and government of each province in respect of all matters within the authority of the legislature of each province.And lastly:Fundamental freedoms2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:(a) freedom of conscience and religion;(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and(d) freedom of association.Get it yet?

Petunia
said

Billions, of dollars spent, so world "leaders" can rub elbows. Wasn't there a report published recently that the majority of promises made at these fiasco's, these circuses, are not honoured? Big suprise there. These summits have to be stopped. There is actually technology today, so good, you can video conference and almost reach out and touch the "leader" next to you. It's true!!! These summits are disgusting and very disturbing. Excessive police security, just chomping at the bit to shoot someone. The media (the anti-christ) drooling, hoping someone DOES get shot. A sad sad commentary on humanity, and our stupidity and wastefullness. Shame on every one of those world "leaders".

Jay, Ottawa
said

Fran Starr said "...If you have nothing to hide, there should not be a problem." >> People with this attitude are far more dangerous than any terrorist. They highlight a weakening of our freedoms from within our own society - not an attack from outside.

christopher keats
said

Welcome to the NEW WROLD ORDERS new &improved poliece state you get what you pay for stealing your civil rights one at a time like the safe streets act of Ontairo.

CSAM
said

Heaven forbid we increase security. But wait, Canada is so friendly and welcomes everyone...and this is exactly why extra security is needed. You complainers will be whining when some political extremist goes bezerk, and will be saying "should have had more security". get a grip people, or better yet, take a walk by the G20 summit...PLEASE!!!!

bc grrl
said

crazy, yet red power can blockade roads with no consequence! welcome to canada, the international joke! did you hear that the security forces found a bunch of suspicious items in a car...gas and chainsaw...in canada...imagine that! anyone who supports this hidden legislation is a moron! take away a freedom one at a time and they think no one will notice, that is a good little flock of sheeple! has anyone else noticed this pattern, it is history repeating, if you don't remember it the stick your nose in a few true history books and read up on the build up to ww2 and how the various legislation were enacted that removed the basic rights from the people and gave all the rights to the security forces who were the lap dog of the leader, his name was hitler! we all know how that one ended.

Annemarie
said

Good grief, the rest of us have to do video-conferencing, why don't they? Or they could meet at the UN building in NYC or on the same tropical island paradise year after year, I'm sure they wouldn't mind that. They can still have their affair catered and their "guests" brought in, if you catch my drift. They are meeting more often and world conditions are getting worse, what does that tell you? God only knows what they really do at these meetings.

gru
said

This is no good.
Also, just to comment on the folks telling us all to "suck it up, it's not forever, just a few days"
Who's to say that, if they can secretly pass this delightful law without letting any of us know, that they won't pass something like this but more permanently in the future?
maybe they already have. Who knows?
no one told me anything...

Rosalie
said

It would be kind of hard to give up all that power and those new toys after a weekend high. Wonder who they'll be using those "powers" on in the future????

Slewhigh Yendick
said

The creation of a temporary police state is just another example of boiling the frog.If the people accept it ,,it WILL be repeated and likely repeated again until it becomes permanent.Americans gave up much due to 911 Canadians are way more compliant and will give up their rights and freedoms to protect foreigners.This generation has completely forgotten what our veterans gave up so much for. Sad, really....

Judy Sullivan
said

I find the questioning regarding this issue on the part of the media as an insult to the integrity of the authorities of the city of Toronto and the Province of Ontario. This is a great moment in history that all Canadians can be a part of and be supportive .. We are in the eyes of the world Canada .. show them *We will stand on guard for thee* .. be part of the solution not the problem!

Alyx Crawford
said

Maybe some of you need to talk to some people who have actually lived in a police state, where they had to "show their papers" to leave one city and enter the next.

daryn
said

Why would you people vote for these governments? now they are stripping our human rights and Constitution as they see fit?

kristie
said

Why are there so many negative people always complaining and emphasizing negative points?
These security measures are indeed necessary and so is the holding of the confrence itself. I think it's a great pleasure Canada is capible of hosting such a massive event.

Appreciate the possitive people not the inconveniences!

Russ in Halifax
said

I'm confused by many of the responses here, and not just the ones who insist that a Liberal provincial government would submit to a federal government demand. The legislation for this came from Ontario, not Ottawa. I'm also confused by what appears to be a misunderstanding of the article. You CANNOT be arrested for coming within 5 metres of the fence. You can only be questioned and asked for I.D. It's the failure to produce I.D. that will result in a possible arrest. As some others have noted, please actually read the article before jumping in with your irrelevant thoughts.

michael
said

Yes Master; get used to saying it.

Fiend, AB
said

Besides the fact I find it stunning that a lot of people posting on this site cannot get it through their heads that the Government of ONTARIO, not the Government of Canada passed this law (Please folks, can you not bury the blind hatred for just long enough to process what is written in the article?), what really makes me worry is whether such laws are CONSTITUTIONAL.

Tom T
said

Makes me very sad... We have unlearned everything from the past two thousand years. The Canadian Charter means nothing now, the American Constituion has been reduced to tatters with the Patriot Act. All the other great documents, the Magna Carta, Charter of Liberties, to the beginnings of the democratic process with the Greek's, are nothing worth, other than pages in a book.Face it people... we are all only serf's indebted to King Harper and Baron McGuinty.I am no longer a proud canadian... Time to find a little island somewhere and live out my remaining days and forget the rest of the world.

reidjr
said

George Albert
What is scary is some seem to think there rights mean causeing harm etc.

Kitten
said

Prairie Boy 69...How exactly does the Charter protect you from having to show your ID to the police?

Michael from NL
said

True north, strong and fascist.

Jim
said

If a uniformed officer of the law asks you for ID, what valid reason could you have for refusing to show it?

Al in Orillia
said

You can't even get inside a rock concert without having your bag or purse checked! I'm pretty sure that this would qualify as important enough for these so-called protesters to at least identify themselves. I've never heard of anything so stupid. They are just being confrontational and trying to get their fifteen minutes of fame. I think we should have a new reality show called "So you think you can stir up crap"Stop it,! you're making the whole country look petty.

Ben Doverson
said

Wow! Passing heavy-handed legislation without debate, giving police powers to stop and search anyone for any reason, and the officer's statement is the only proof needed to be charged with an offense. Now who said we weren't living in a police state?

Mdudak in Ottawa
said

This is appalling!This is not MY CANADA!What a shame. A free country must not be conducting itself like an autocracy. All Harper needs now is the tiny black moustache under his nose. All Canadians should join in a protest of these measures. Is Mr. Harper and his band of morons intended in making this country a police state? Wake up Canadians.....So much for your freedom Canadians; Harper stole it from you…mdudak in Ottawa

syko
said

After looking at all the measures being used to secure 20 people and their delegates, I would say that democracy is losing to what ever it is fighting against.

Sam C
said

"Police State?" Oh, please! It's a security perimeter surrounding a gathering of 20 world leaders and their entourages. A "Police State" would encompass the entire "state" -- all of Ontario, or all of Canada. The problem is that you people who want your rights and freedoms to have access to a few blocks of downtown Toronto don't understand that there are some Protesters who are demanding their "rights and freedoms" to march, harrass the Police and the G20 delegates, and generally wreak havoc and mayhem. The need to maintain the peace trumps a bit of inconvenience.

Prairie boy 69
said

The Charter protects me from the police to ask for "my papers" just because I am walking in an area.
How can a PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT pass a regulation, not a law, that overrides this? This removal of our protection from the police in silence without debate and a vote in the provincial parliament should be very worrisome from the citizen. I suggest this move is more serious than many issues that protesters are protesting. I would think this would be a major issue with anarchists.

Where are the self righteous press on this item to this point? Why are we only hearing about this now?

reidjr
said

Steve
You means daltons police state.

Greg
said

It's too bad we have people who continually act like morons and cause problems. The police need more power to deal with stupid people. The police need more power all the time now, not just temporary. It seems the criminals in this country have more and more rights all the time and the police have less and less power to deal with it and a court system that sides with the criminal. Sad.

George Alberta
said

All I can say is wow. I'm in complete amazement about how quietly and effectively the government established a police state with no debate or regard for ordinary citizens. I'm all for security, and keeping things safe…but I don't think I should have to forfeit my charter rights for this to happen. Scary stuff.

Rod Malcolm
said

People people people PLEASE calm down and READ THE STORY again....

"The new regulation temporarily alters the Public Works Protection Act to designate the entire security perimeter surrounding Toronto's convention Centre as a "public works" site during the summit.

That then allows police to ask anyone within five metres of the perimeter to identify themselves or be searched. Those who refuse to show identification face arrest."

"Temporary" and "those who refuse to show ID". Listen, the police can arrest you anywhere, any time, if they suspect a law is being broken and you REFUSE to show ID.

Please, GROW UP and stop babbling like idiots.

Reece
said

Understandable. I usually give myself special powers not to declare certain income during tax time and it's certainly helped me save a mountain of money. Also special powers to race down streets when I'm late for work. Special powers to smoke some weed. We are all special in our own ways.

Cam
said

I always knew Stevie wanted to be the fascist dictator of a police state. Glad to know he is achieving his dream.

Kim
said

A note to Harper, Canadians tax payers have special rights too. Come election time we will exercise our special powers & Harper will no longer be PM.

John, Halifax, NS
said

@LDL in ONTIf it's just our turn, how come last year in PA it only cost $18 million and didn't violate Americans rights and freedoms? Hmmm? Perhaps you'd like to read the article about last years organizers opinion on our $2 billion conference and 'security' - for what btw? Where are the protesters' the G8 has been on for two days, and to quote CBC "the protester area only has a few flies and mosquitos, but no people".People like you who would give up your rights so easily don't deserve them, one day it'll haunt you and it will be too late. Glad we fought in major wars for rights while Harper single handedly tosses them in the trash!

Raj
said

Ontario has, so that is ou PM's fault.LOL I agree with them, there are a ton of nut-bars out there, BTW Who gives airtime to anarchist that believe destroying property is right!? NOT ctv thank goodness, I agree with ontario.If this were a liberal dong this summit, i suppose everyone would be just fine- why cant we shine with a conservative PM.Well done Ontaio!

FreakAlert
said

mikey666,Why you ask? To show to the small ruling elite, politicians, and to ourselves(if we can see it), how truly stupid and dumb-downed we, the masses, truly are. I was watching Youtube the other night. A lioness was chasing after a large heard of Water Buffalo. The heard stopped and paused, as if they were actually thinking, turned around and chased the lioness up a tree.But, in my opinion, concluding after I watched the video, we're much dumber than the Water Buffalos. And, by "we", I mean everyone from the very top of the food chain to the bottom.

KB in GTA
said

Temporary law??? Wasn't the Income Tax act a temporary law as well?

This draconian measure has convinced me more than ever that McGuinty and his gang MUST be voted out at the next election. But beware, you thoughts may soon be illegal in this police state!

Norm in Ontario
said

My only objection with this is the way the law was passed, behind closed doors and very secretively. In my "never to be considered humble opinion", until we get rid of our system of gov't and adopt a new system in which the people have a say all along the process, this sh*t will continue to happen. These politicians who are supposed to serve the people only serve themselves and their place at the trough. This kind of crap goes beyond the G20. If anyone thinks this is new, please give your head a shake.I expect the bleeding hearts to come back and tell me avbout how we have to protect the world leaders and blah, blah, blah. My complaint is simply the fact that the gov't of the day on whatever level can slam stuff through and make laws at will and keep it all hush hush.This is a free country? yeah, right!Just my 2 cents GST & PST

Jane
said

When the US passed the Patriot Act, I was always so smug. I thought that could never happen here. Well, now it has.It is your right in a free country to peacefully protest what you do not agree with. We're rapidly losing that right. If I was 20, I would be one of those "protest nut jobs" as someone called them.There is never any money for anything anymore. We have disabled and sick people who cannot work and we starve them. People lose their jobs and apply for EI and are denied. Then we turn around and spend billions on a fake lake. What has that got to do with the conference? Isn't this conference supposed to be about fixing the economy? It's like a homeowner building a pool when the roof needs to be replaced.Maybe someone will send me some money. I've been feeding a person on disability for the last three years because it is the only time that he gets a decent meal. I can't afford it, but I can't watch him starve either.

CDNinGER
said

People making comments about how Canada is turning into North Korea, or "Welcome to East Germany" are completely out of line. If you've ever even just left the country before (not to the USA) you would know how ridiculous you are. And for your information, there is no East Germany anymore.

Mike
said

We have long been living in a Prison Planet controlled by a few elites scum who sees humanity as a scourge. This secret / silent law that was recently passed to give police extra powers will remain in effect and apply to all of Canada for future events. We only THINK that we are free. Welcome to the New Police State of Canada.

Mary Ann
said

Oh for the love of God people. Really? Who cares! This is not an infringement of our civil liberties forever, just for the next few days. Can you imagine how horrible our country would look if we didn't take the security measures required and some crazy terrorist succeeded in killing world leaders and innocent civilians during the summit? Give your heads a shake and walk into the new world reality. We want to be players on the world stage, then we need to take the necessary precautions. Stay away if you don't like the fence and anything else. It won't last forever, and find something else to complain about. And really, who cares who's to blame. None of our politicians can win anyway so enough already.

Wendy
said

Police discretion, Mr. Dziekanski...R.I.P. should I say anymore, common sense & police don't belong in the same sentence.

Get Real
said

I can not believe than some idiots still talk about freedom and liberty,,, when the real culprits are the people breaking, looting, provoking.. those Anarchist low life, sorry no life... wake up !!! That civli liberty is everything but civil!!!! Low life thugs costing Canadians tons of money,, All the security in place is all their faults, nothing else!!!

Dan in Edm
said

@John...nothing to do with Harper @JP...nothing to do with MillerThis is PROVINCIAL legislation. Take the time to read the article before commenting.

Steve
said

Welcome to Harper's police state, a sad Day for Canada.

plabo
said

John from Halifax is probably right. The Harper government or PMO or any security consultants most likely asked the province to push this legislation quickly. This is all part of the 1 billion dollar security frenzy.

steve
said

Gret news. It is about time they gave the authorities the power to deal with thoe who are there to disrupt. There is no need for anyone, regardless of thier intentions, to be anywhere near that zone. Security should be made the number one priority, not the yahoos trying to disrupt things.

Fran Starr
said

I think the new legislation is GREAT!
I think Canadians are entirely in denial of the reality of terrorist activity right here in Canada.
The police are doing an excellent job and recognize the importance of prevention and being diligent.
Having to provide identification to police is not against our Human Rights and Freedoms. It is to protect it!
If you have nothing to hide, there should not be a problem.

DANIEL H
said

TALK ABOUT A POLICE STATE!I thought this was supposed to be a free country.I don't advocate any violence or mischief, but this is definitely getting to be too much.I thought the concepts in the novel 1984 would never happen, but this is way beyond anything George Orwell came up with.

JustJeff1972
said

Well, to all you people who are about to slam the Prime Minister on this, dont. This was passed by the Province, not the Federal Gov't. And lets put it this way, if the Prime Minister wanted no dealings/issues with protesters, etc, he could have easily enacted the War Measures Act. Which would have turned Toronto into a true ghost town. No one allowed on the streets, curfews, etc etc etc.

LDL in ONT
said

I'm not from Toronto, but often have to travel right to the core where the security zone is. I can certainly stay away for 4 days as can the people that work in that area do by taking vacation, working from home, or whatever. If you don't have a security pass and you feel compelled to go there and hang out or "inspect the fence" then you're probably up to no good or one of the professional protest nut jobs. I wish everyone would just get over it. World Leaders meet. It's our turn, and this is the new reality for security at these events. Thank you.

Rick in NB, Ste Marie
said

Hello Toronto, welcome to the police state. Watch what you do today, it might be illegal tomorrow.

mikey666
said

what a complete nuisance this is. In today's day and age, can't this be done by conference call or some other like technology.

And why choose a busy city. Why not a remote location that can easily be secured? i.e. manitoulin island, alcatraz island...

Sam
said

Suggestion for the leaders of the "FREE" world if you need to meet why not rent a cruise ship and go cruise around the Gulf of Mexico, Ditch the Police state, save the billions and maybe even scoop up some of the oil sludge while you're there.

Mike K
said

Welcome to East Germany!

concerned
said

Although I understand the need for this temporary law, for this protection of foreign dignitaries, I don't like the secrecy in which this law was passed. I believe now that they set precedence for these extraordinary security measures, some of the more invasive ones will be here to stay. The event is just a catalyst to bump-up public security overall, like in some european countries.

Natasha McDowell
said

This is not good. Modifying people rights and freedoms at the last minute to suit the needs of the event is unacceptable in my opinion. Decisions such as these must and should be considered and decided upon well in advance so that the public has time to understand the implications and at the very minimum, prepare for them. This poor man who refused to show ID probably didn't know of this new temporary law and was arrested due to his lack of knowledge.

Shameful approach to respecting and managing the public

Acroyear
said

I don't care who passed this (though also not going to blame wrong person) this is going WAY to far in a Free Country! And I work in LE circles and am saying this! I am all for arresting protesters who turn violent, but having these sorts of powers just for approaching within 5 meters of the fence is Gestapo tactics. And it's also stupid...like waving a cape in front of the bull. Making an over the top draconian law like this is sure to bring out the far left extremists to challenge it, simple because it gives them the excuse. There was always a risk of violent protest... by passing this law they've just ensured it's going to happen, and of course, the cops will be the bad guys, not the protesters who go too far, nor the politicians who provoked an already explosive situation. Stupid... stupid move... and with the level of security there otherwise, totally unneeded. Then again, we are talking about a politician here. They're not know for looking two feet beyond their own noses these days.

Nancy
said

some of those protesters deserve to be arrested...I really hope alot comes out of these two Summits and its not just about the Politicians of the world lining their pockets with OUR money.I wonder how much of it will really get to WOMEN and CHILDREN.

Dean in Abby
said

Why worry if you've done nothing wrong or to intimidate the police? Seems to me that only the disturbers have something to be wary of and similarly, we of them.

Elias Nasrallah
said

Why don't you idiotic, trouble making, property wrecking anarchists stop causing problems and obey the laws. Police must do these things to protect the public from morons like you......

Vanessa Williams
said

I live close to all this nonsense and need to go about my business. I don't have a driver's license. So can I be arrested just for walking in my own neighborhood? Shame on McGuinty for passing laws in secret and allowing people to be arrested for "walking while looking suspicious". This is not my city anymore. Harper, McGuinty, and Milller all share the blame.

KJ in Kingston Ontario
said

We need to have a law passed that will guarantee a plebiscite on any more G-whatevers. Wasting vast amounts of money and resources on this circus and turning Canada into a replica of North Korea should hardly impress anyone -- except perhaps the North Koreans... And they aren't even at the party -- maybe the next one should be held over there -- they won't need to change any laws or add any fences!

graham
said

don't blame a federal Tory for something a provincial Liberal did.

Mike
said

so let me get this....you can get arrested for being too close to the fence?. Too bad they already arrested the guy who was in charge of inspecting the fence...lol
This is such a waste of taxpayers money!

sarah P
said

Apparently John from Halifax can't appreciate that this was legislation that was passed by the Liberal provincial government of Ontario and not the federal conservative government. Harper had nothing to do with this, but anything to be smarmy, right?

michael
said

Police testimony is now evidence, any and all other testimony, worthless. May god help us all, for the testimony of witnesses is made void this day.

Mandosa
said

Hmmm. Mixed feelings on this one. I don't like the secrecy in which this was passed, but security must be maintained to keep these protesters of the month club away. I guess as long as this type of legislation only applies to public areas, and they don't try to extend into our private property, I'm OK with this.

JP{C in SK
said

Actually, this has nothing to do with Harper and everything to do with Mayor Miller...

John, Halifax, NS
said

Harper said we wouldn't recognize Canada by the time he was done with it. It seems he was right about something afterall.

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