To the Minister of Public Safety, re: Amy Goodman
by Denise Savoie, MP Victoria
 Dear Minister, I write to protest vehemently on behalf of my constituents about the alleged treatment of U.S. journalist Amy Goodman at the Canadian border last week.
Noted journalist's computers seized and searched at
Canadian border in paranoid fear of Olympics criticism
It is my understanding that Ms. Goodman and her colleagues were questioned at unusual and unreasonable length about the content of a speech she was to deliver at the Vancouver Public Library, that the contents of their personal notes and computers were searched without their presence, and that Ms. Goodman was issued a "control document" with her picture and a strict order to leave Canada within 48 hours and report to customs officers as she left.
Public safety is a serious issue and a solemn responsibility. But it is degraded when used as a cynical excuse to stifle freedom of speech and censor what Canadians hear from invited visitors.
Hon. Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
December 3, 2009
Ms. Goodman is widely respected around the world for her journalistic integrity and defence of human rights and social justice. It is outrageous to assert that she represents any tangible security threat to our country simply because she may have dissenting views to share about the upcoming Olympic Games or any other issue.
I share my constituents’ dismay and embarrassment that the Canadian Border Services Agency is permitted or instructed to harass visitors like Ms. Goodman because they may express critical views or disagree with government policy. Such treatment is deeply worrisome for the state of our democracy, but sadly it is not uncommon. I have heard from several constituents who have been subject to poor treatment at the border while returning home from the U.S.
It should be beyond question that our border guards are mandated to keep us safe, not harass people for their political views. I strongly urge you to investigate the case of Ms. Goodman and issue a formal apology for her treatment, as well as review the policy and practice of the CBSA to ensure that the treatment of all who come to our border are treated in a way that is in line with Canadian values of respect, courtesy, and tolerance of dissent.
I look forward to your response and action.
Sincerely,
Denise Savoie, MP Victoria
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