MP Kevin Sorenson, echoing the sentiments of his Conservative colleagues, expressed grave concerns about Statistics Canada (StatsCan) having access to sensitive and confidential banking information.
“At no time is it right nor is there ever any justification for StatsCan demanding banks turn over customers’ data,” said Sorenson. “If the government is not willing to stop StatsCan from so destructively invading Canadians’ privacy, to protect their customers, banks should refuse the request.”
During Question Period this week, the Conservative Party repeatedly challenged the Liberal Government on allowing StatsCan to acquire Canadians’ banking information without their consent.
While the Prime Minister shot back trying unsuccessfully to defend the indefensible, Privy Commissioner, Daniel Therrien, has launched an investigation. Therrien is questioning StatsCan on its plan to force banks to provide banking records that would allow them to track how and where Canadians spend their money.
According to media sources, the banks were completely taken off guard by the imminent compelling of information.
“While the Prime Minister deflects any accountability or concern for Canadians, many of my constituents are up in arms and as more of them learn about this fiasco, the more emails, letters and phone calls I will receive,” stated Sorenson.
Recently, Sorenson received an email from one constituent that said, “I am appalled that the Liberals think this is a good idea. In fact, this is a terrible idea and I am totally against it, especially given Canadians will not even be made aware when their banking information is accessed. In my view, this proposal is so preposterous; it defies logic on every level. Furthermore, it’s a serious threat to the privacy of our information, especially, given StatsCan has been hacked in the past.”
The Battle River-Crowfoot MP vowed to do exactly what another constituent asked him to do: “stall the collection of this information.” As well, he will hold the Liberal government to account for any breach in the protection of Canadians’ private information.