Last summer, Parliament passed Bill C-51. While the bill was dubbed the “Anti-terrorism Act,” it drew widespread criticism by opposition parties for giving expanded powers to the government and CSIS to monitor, share and collect information about Canadians without consent or court order. Critics point out that these powers could be used to target anyone that criticizes the government or its policies, such as environmentalists or aboriginal groups.

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) are also aware of the issues this bill could create for members of the press, should they write something critical of government policy or repeatedly question them on it. The organization launched a charter challenge to the bill last year, and is now turning to the public to let the government know it supports the effort. These print ads, by Juniper Park/TBWA, try to convey the feeling of being watched at home, work or even on the street to convey how things you thought were private can now be seen (and used against you) by many more people. They’ve also launched a website where Canadians can take a photo of themselves in the style of the ads to share on social media, both to let friends and Justin Trudeau (who endorsed the bill as Liberal party leader before being elected Prime Minister) they don’t like being watched.

Credits:

Brand: Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)
Advertising Agency: Juniper Park/TBWA
Creative Directors: Terry Drummond, Barry Quinn, Alan Madill
Associate Creative Director: Neil Walker-Wells
Art Director: Gerardo Agbuya
Copywriter: Jesse Wilks
Photographer: Denzil Alexander