Conservatives retreat on Internet law

OTTAWA — A day after tabling a controversial Internet lawful access bill, the Conservatives have signalled they’re open to changes.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews told parliamentarians during question period Wednesday the government would “entertain amendments” to the bill.

“We will send t his l egislation directly to committee for a full and wide-ranging examination of the best way to do what is right for our children,” he said.

The Conservative government went into full retreat after the bill created a public uproar over concerns it would infringe on the privacy rights of Canadians.

It garnered negative press across the country and had advocates for Internet privacy up in arms.

The bill as drafted even failed to gain traction among some members of the Conservative caucus.

“I think it’s too intrusive as it currently stands and does need to be looked at,” said New Brunswick Tory MP John Williamson. “There’s a lot of concern I think across the country.”

Federal and provincial privacy commissioners have raised concerns about the bill for months.

They argued provisions within the proposed legislation — which allows law enforcement to gather information like cellphone numbers, e-mail addresses and ISP addresses on citizens without a warrant — infringes on privacy rights.

The government argues the laws needed to be realigned to take into account new technology and online crime.