EDMONTON — Privacy commissioners from across Canada have spoken out against the federal government’s anti-terror bill.

A letter — signed by information and privacy commissioners in every province and territory except New Brunswick — outlines seven recommendations for amendments to Bill C-51.

Commissioners warn the vague wording of the bill — which labels terrorism as anything that "undermines the security of Canada” — could label peaceful protestors criminals.

"We are deeply concerned that (Security of Canada Information Sharing Act) would permit the sharing of personal information of individuals who have participated in lawful, peaceful demonstrations like the large-scale protests against investment in apartheid-era South Africa and the incarceration of Nelson Mandela," the letter reads.

"The historic peaceful protests in support of nuclear disarmament would also almost certainly have been caught as well."

The commissioners said they grieved after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo were murdered, and they understand governments need effective measures to deal with security issues.

Still, they worry the bill will “significantly expand the power of the state to surveil and profile ordinary, law-abiding Canadians.”

They also say the scope of information sharing is too broad.

"The torture and unlawful imprisonment suffered by Maher Arar as a result of the unconstrained sharing of inaccurate personal information with foreign agencies illustrates the grave dangers of this opening of the information floodgates," they wrote.

The letter says there is a lack of oversight in the bill and asks for additional review measures.

"The secrecy that accompanies this form of surveillance drastically reduces the opportunity for affected individuals to learn of and challenge the state's use and disclosure of their information," it reads. "Independent oversight and review is thus critical."

catherine.griwkowsky@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @SunGriwkowskyC