Parliament may be on a break this week, but the ‘Vikileaks‘ scandal is in full gear. The RCMP is investigating “serious” threats placed against Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and his family, as scrutiny over his controversial Internet surveillance bill continues to erupt.
In a letter released to his constituents over the weekend, Toews says there have been “criminal acts and threats of criminal acts against me and my family,” but gives few details of the alleged crimes.
Bill C-30, which proposes unlimited online surveillance legislation, was headed by Toews on Tuesday.
Since tabling the bill, Toews immediately came under fire from political opposition – including Liberal golden boy Justin Trudeau – and through an anonymous Twitter attack known as ‘Vikileaks.’ The account exposed Toews’ tawdry personal details of sexual dalliances and spending habits, and was shut down on Friday.
Still, the bill, which many are calling “invasive,” spawned a parody hashtag, #tellviceverything, and continues to trend nationwide.
Toews’ statement goes on to say, “Threatening communications have been attacked at the minister,” and, “I do want you to know, I have a spouse and a young son who I love more than life itself.”
Online activists may be harassing Toews, but it’s hard to say whether these threats are, indeed, “serious,” or if the minister is simply reacting to his own privacy being violated. Or, perhaps, it may just be Mary Walsh on his lawn in costume.
Earlier this week, Toews shattered both credibility and party confidence after revealing he was “surprised” by the bill’s content in an interview with CBC Radio’s The House.
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Joanna Adams writes the Morning Cable, and lots more, for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at †@nowstarringTO.
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