Despite a massive public outcry, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews recently proclaimed the government is still "intent on proceeding" with his unpopular warrantless online spying bill.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper seems far from eager to discuss the legislation he's promised to pass - legislation that will allow online spying without a warrant.

The proposed legislation will force every phone and Internet provider to allow "authorities" to collect the private information of any Canadian, at any time, without a warrant.

This will create legislation that is:

Warrantless: A range of "authorities" will have the ability to invade the private lives of law-abiding Canadians and our families using wired Internet and mobile devices, without justification.

Invasive: The laws leave our personal and financial information less secure and more susceptible to cybercrime.

Costly: Internet service providers may be forced to install millions of dollars worth of spying technology and the cost will be passed down to you.

Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart has repeatedly voiced her concerns about online spying, and has called for strengthened oversight and privacy safeguards in the bills. Eight in 10 oppose expensive warrantless surveillance of electronic activity.

I stand with Canada's privacy commissioners and ombudspersons. And I stand with groups like OpenMedia.ca that have been facilitating action against the giant, unsecure registry of personal information. See http: //StopSpying.ca.

Ron Peters Coquitlam