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Lobbying by Canadian Civil Liberties Association: its registrations, its lobbyists, the bills it has named and every meeting it has reported with federal office holders since November 2021.

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Organization

Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Meetings this Parliament
73
With MPs
16
Since Nov 2021
94
Active registrations
1

Most recent reported meeting: Sep 24, 2026.

Registrations in effect

In-house (organization) In effect since Sep 1, 2026

Filed by Howard Sapers, Executive Director

Lobbyists

  • Howard Sapers · Executive Director Former designated public office holder

    Formerly Correctional Investigator of Canada, Ottawa, Office of the Correctional Investigator (2004–2016)

  • Anaïs Bussieres McNicoll · Director, Fundamental Freedoms Program;
  • Harini Sivalingam · Director, Equality Program
  • Shakir Rahim · Director, Criminal Justice Program
  • Tamir Israel · Director of the Privacy, Surveillance, and Technology Program
  • Timilehin Ojo · Privacy, Surveillance, and Digital Rights Coordinator

Institutions they may lobby: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC), Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), House of Commons, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Justice Canada (JC), Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC), Parole Board of Canada (PBC), Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Privy Council Office (PCO), Public Safety Canada (PS), Senate of Canada, Treasury Board Of Canada Secretariat (TBS)

What they're lobbying on (31)
  • The need to ensure Canada's foreign influence transparency regime is targeted and avoids disproportionate impact on civil liberties, including the need to mitigate any impact on journalists, legal representation and participation in the international human rights system.
  • Modernizing employment equity, including the need to update the federal Employment Equity Act.
  • The need to update Canada's Access to Information Act.
  • Access to MAiD when mental illness is the sole underlying condition.
  • Introduction to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Meet with new senior officials to provide an introduction to CCLA staff, activities and priorites
  • Bill C-36, An Act to enact the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, respecting the need to include robust restrictions on private-sector handling of personal data and on the adoption and use of artificial intelligence tools to ensure protection of privacy and human rights.
  • Bill C-34, An Act to enact the Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act, with respect to state-compelled limitations on free speech on social media, generative AI, and other online services, imposition of age verification requirements onto various online services, and compliance of the proposal with freedom of expression and privacy rights.
  • Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures, with respect to legal standards for peace officers/CSIS to obtain information, a proposed regime to require surveillance-enabled digital services, cross-border information sharing (which are also replicated in Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access), and amendments to IRPA that would impact refugee protection and permit categorical cancellation of documents, and which are also replicated in Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures.
  • The federal government's adoption of a public registry for its use of artificial intelligence tools, and how to improve the utility of this registry as a government accountability tool.
  • Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, and Bill C-25, An Act respecting the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026 with respect to the information privacy framework applicable to federal political parties.
  • Bill C-8, An Act respecting cybersecurity, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Lobbying around telecommunications and cybersecurity, with an intention of making proposed legislation more respecting of privacy and human rights.
  • Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, and concerns regarding Part 5, Division 5, of that Bill and its proposed introduction of a "Henry the VIII" clause that would empower the government to exempt private and public entities from the application of federal laws.
  • Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter.
  • Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence.
  • The civil liberties implications of forced detox under the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, SM 2025, c 49.
  • Consultation on prospective amendments to the Criminal Code related to offences against children.
  • Prospective amendments to the Criminal Code related to mandatory minimum sentences and remedies for violations of s. 11(b) of the Charter.
  • Bill S-209, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to pornographic material, regarding the privacy implications of a proposed age verification requirement that would be imposed by the Bill on online entities including social media companies, the accuracy and bias of available artificial intelligence age assessment tools relied upon by the Bill, and the implications of using a website blocking remedy as an enforcement tool.
  • The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety.
  • Implementing Recommendation 11 of the Public Inquiry on Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions and the need to safeguard privacy and fundamental freedoms in doing so.
  • The notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with respect to guidelines, limitations, and principles about its use through either law or policy, including through legislative proposals (Bill S-218, An Act to Amend the Constitution Act, 1982). The CCLA website contains a brief outlining the full position of the organization.
  • A legislative proposal regarding the prohibition of obstacles to the interoperability of health information technology vendors (formerly Bill C-72, Connected Care For Canadians Act, an Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and to prohibit data blocking by health information technology vendors) including the need to consider privacy implications.
  • Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, with respect to the executive powers granted in the bill through the creation of national interest projects.
  • Bill S-256, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (seizure) and to make related amendments to other Acts. Advocacy related to the legal standard to search Canada Post mail.
  • The policies of the Canada Border Services Agency in relation to the use of digital devices and tools at the border when carrying out CBSA functions.
  • The Criminal Code, respecting prospective amendments around provisions concerning penalties for auto theft
  • Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Citizenship Act. Bill S-235:An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Participation in coalition advocating to provide citizenship for survivors of child welfare system and ensure removal orders against such persons are not enforceable.
  • Extradition Act. Letter to the Prime Minister regarding the case of Dr. Hassan Diab and urging the government to review provisions of the Extradition Act.
  • Bill C-48, An act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform). The passage and content of the bill as a whole are subject to lobbying activity, specific provisions where CCLA is advocating amendments can be found in our public brief to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (LCJC).
  • Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments. The content of the bill as a whole are subject to lobbying activity, specific provisions where CCLA is advocating amendments can be found in our public brief to the House Standing Committee on Public Safety and Security (SECU).
  • Automated Sequestering of Criminal Records Legislation. The CCLA, as a member of the civil society entity the Fresh Start Coalition, is seeking the introduction of legislation creating legislation to automatically sequester criminal records.

Registration 961511-376656-24. Look it up in the official Registry

Reported meetings

Spreadsheet

Filed by Howard Sapers (72), Noa Mendelsohn Aviv (19), Abigail Deshman (3).

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Claudine Santos · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-12 C-2 C-22

    Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures, with respect to legal standards for peace officers/CSIS to obtain information, a proposed regime to require surveillance-enabled digital services, cross-border information sharing (which are also replicated in Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access), and amendments to IRPA that would impact refugee protection and permit categorical cancellation of documents, and which are also replicated in Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Lori Idlout · Member of Parliament
    • Benjamin Wiles · Chief of Staff, House of Commons

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Dina Dong · Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada

    C-12 C-2 C-22

    Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures, with respect to legal standards for peace officers/CSIS to obtain information, a proposed regime to require surveillance-enabled digital services, cross-border information sharing (which are also replicated in Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access), and amendments to IRPA that would impact refugee protection and permit categorical cancellation of documents, and which are also replicated in Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Jennifer Pedersen · Senior Legislative and Policy Advisor, House of Commons

    C-34

    Bill C-34, An Act to enact the Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act, with respect to state-compelled limitations on free speech on social media, generative AI, and other online services, imposition of age verification requirements onto various online services, and compliance of the proposal with freedom of expression and privacy rights. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Paula Simons · Senator, Senate of Canada
    • Dina Dong · Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada
    • Shawn Abel · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-12 C-2 C-22

    Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures, with respect to legal standards for peace officers/CSIS to obtain information, a proposed regime to require surveillance-enabled digital services, cross-border information sharing (which are also replicated in Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access), and amendments to IRPA that would impact refugee protection and permit categorical cancellation of documents, and which are also replicated in Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Thomas Law · Adivsor, Policy and Regional Affairs (Ontario), Justice Canada (JC)
    • Hanife Massomifar · Policy Advisor and Issues Manager, Justice Canada (JC)
    Access to MAiD when mental illness is the sole underlying condition.

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Michèle Kingsley · ADM Public Safety Canada, Public Safety Canada (PS)
    • Chad Westmacott · Director General, Public Safety Canada (PS)
    Introduction to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Meet with new senior officials to provide an introduction to CCLA staff, activities and priorites

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Keith Torrie · Senior Policy Advisor, Justice Canada (JC)
    • Morgan MacDougall-Milne · Director of Litigation, Justice Canada (JC)
    • Zoe Romeo · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Canada (JC)

    C-16

    Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter.

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Claudine Santos · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada
    • Paul (PJ) Prosper · Senator, Senate of Canada

    C-16

    Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter.

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Claudine Santos · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-16

    Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter.

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Claudine Santos · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-16

    Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter.

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Hanife Massomifar · Policy Advisor and Issues Manager, Justice Canada (JC)

    C-9

    Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Owen Ripley · Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Justice Canada (JC)
    • Matthew Taylor · Senior General Counsel and Director General, Criminal Law Policy Section, Justice Canada (JC)

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Keith Torrie · Senior Policy Advisor, Justice Canada (JC)
    • Zoe Romeo · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Canada (JC)

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Hanife Massomifar · Policy Advisor and Issues Manager, Justice Canada (JC)

    C-9

    Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Kristopher Wells · Senator, Senate of Canada
    • Jordano Nudo · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-9

    Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Morgan MacDougall-Milne · Director of Litigation, Justice Canada (JC)
    The notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with respect to guidelines, limitations, and principles about its use through either law or policy, including through legislative proposals (Bill S-218, An Act to Amend the Constitution Act, 1982). The CCLA website contains a brief outlining the full position of the organization. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Dina Dong · Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada
    • Shawn Abel · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-9

    Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), and specifically that its new anti-protests provisions risk criminalizing peaceful protestors; its problematic removal of Attorney General consent requirement for hate propaganda charges; that its new standalone hate crime offence is unduly stigmatizing and paves the way to excessive sentences; that its proposed definition of hatred does not align with Supreme Court of Canada precedents; and concerns regarding the addition of a "promotion of terrorism" offence. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Bernadette Clement · Senator, Senate of Canada
    • Katie Verhoeven · Senior Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Noah Kathen · Parliamentary Assistant, House of Commons

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Kim Pate · Senator, Senate of Canada
    • Paul Prosper · Senator, Senate of Canada
    • Shawn Abel · Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada
    • Andrew Osborne · Parliamentary Research Assistant, Senate of Canada
    and 2 more
    • Katie Verhoeven · Senior Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada
    • Claudine Santos · Director of Parliamentary Affairs, Senate of Canada

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Pierre Dalphond · Senator, Senate of Canada

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Dada Muhobo · Executive Assistant, Senate of Canada

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Paula Simons · Senator, Senate of Canada
    • Shawn Abel · Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada
    • Dina Dong · Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, Senate of Canada

    C-14

    The federal government's role in the operation of the bail system, such as: setting standards for data collection; legislation affecting bail, e.g. amendments to the Criminal Code including in proposed Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing); and engagement with the provinces/territories on considerations related to the bail system generally, e.g. bail and public safety. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Howard Sapers · In-house (organization)

    • Noah Kathen · Parliamentary Assistant, House of Commons

    C-16

    Bill C-16, Protecting Victims Act. Charter and civil liberties concerns about the legislation, particularly in relation to impact on s. 11(b) of the Charter.

    Official report

From the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying's open data, published November 5, 2026. Reports cover oral, arranged meetings with designated public office holders since November 22, 2021; lobbyists file them by the 15th of the following month. Names of MPs are matched to the current House of Commons, and bills are linked when the lobbyist's own description makes clear which bill it means. Contains information licensed under the Open Data Licence Agreement — Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying. Licence. PolitiKit is independent and is not endorsed by the Commissioner of Lobbying.