Quebec-N.Y. Policing Deal A Civil Rights Threat, Says Lawyer

A new deal between Quebec and New York state to share policing information in the so-called war on terror threatens basic civil liberties, says a Montreal lawyer.

The pact, signed by leaders in Quebec and New York on Tuesday, will enable police to share more information about suspects and investigations into weapons and drug smuggling and other offences.

The agreement will help authorities detect potential terror plots as well, through “collaboration, co-operation, exchanging views, exchanging information, in order to secure our borders,” said Quebec Public Security Minister Jacques Dupuis.

But the deal means U.S. authorities will have access to more personal information about people who may not be facing criminal charges, warned Montreal lawyer Julius Grey.