Thousands of demonstrators gathered across the country and in Windsor on Saturday to rally against the Conservative government's proposed anti-terror legislation, which seeks to expand the powers of police and spy agencies.

The government, which introduced Bill C-51 in January, insists that it provides law-enforcement authorities with the vital tools needed to stamp out terror plots before they unfold.

But critics say the bill lacks appropriate oversight, and could compromise Canadians’ personal liberties.

In Windsor, the protest started outside the Art Gallery of Windsor and included a march to the Federal Court Building.

About 150 people attended.

Protesters say the Conservative government is trying to push through the legislation and that the law would infringe on the rights of Canadians.

They claim the legislation is reckless, dangerous and ineffective.

But Conservatives maintain that the legislation is necessary to combat the increasing risk of global terrorism, and that the bill will not infringe upon Canadians' civil liberties.