In a nation such a Canada, any attacks on our democratic freedoms must be open to challenge. But, to challenge these attacks, the freedom to express our thoughts and ideas is a must. For, if not speech, then what are our options? Rebellion? Revolution? Anarchy? Clearly, free speech is at the very heart of all other freedoms. And, free speech is what oppressive regimes hate most. Oppressive regimes such as the Chinese Communist Party. What does Justin Trudeau think about China’s communist leadership? See this VIDEO.
The Trudeau government’s stance on freedom of expression is apparent. Legislative changes proposed over the past number of years are a concern for all of us. They literally dictate which specific words Canadians can, cannot, and in some cases, must utter. A key point here is that many of the proposed legislative changes are brand new. That is to say: Canadians have never before been told what words they can or cannot use.
Let’s take a brief, but discerning, look at a few of the proposed changes:
BILL C-36: This Bill dictates that you cannot use words that offend anyone.
Proposed rules under Bill C-36 offers any individual legal protection against being offended; in other words, offending someone may be deemed a hate crime that is punishable by law.
What are the repercussions of this law? Being found guilty of such a crime could bring you a fine of up to $50,000 (plus reparations payable to the plaintiff). Moreover, those found guilty under C-36 may have their communication and movements restricted; they can have firearms seized; they may be banned from drinking alcohol; and can even be put under house arrest.
Shockingly, these actions may be taken pre-emptively.
In other words, if someone merely thinks you may utter “hate speech,” you could have your rights curtailed.
Furthermore, complaints (for example, against a blogger) may be made anonymously, i.e. the defendant will have no opportunity to face the person making the accusation. This stipulation will make impossible any cross-examination (for example, to discern personal or political motivations for the accusation). No existing Canadian law has ever allowed for this kind of anonymity in the legal process.
Is this law really designed to protect the Canadian people from having our feelings hurt? Or is it simply aimed to instill a fear of speaking out?
Now, too, consider the following “news story” published by Canada’s state broadcaster, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Note that the CBC is completely funded ($1.3 Billion) by the federal government.
BILL C-16: This Bill dictates words you must use
As if limiting what you are allowed to say isn’t enough, Bill C-16 goes even further by dictating what you must say regarding certain matters. Specifically, the Bill deals with how you must address trans-gendered individuals. It literally puts words in your mouth, requiring you to use the individual’s chosen pronouns. (The pronouns can even be words made up by the individual, or the newly minted ze, zir, zem, and zeir, as replacements for he, her, them and their).
If you refuse to use these words when addressing a trans-gendered person, you may well find yourself charged with harassment. You may even go to jail. Again, this kind of legislation has no precedent in Canada. (This Bill actually passed in the Senate and became law in June, 2022.)
It’s important to note that just 0.3% of Canadians identify as trans-gendered, according to Statistics Canada’s own data. Is Justin Trudeau really so concerned about the rights of the 0.3% of trans-gendered Canadians? Or is he simply using the issue to impose upon the free speech of all Canadians?
BILL C-11: This Bill limits the information you’ll be able to find online
Bill C-11 allows the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) unprecedented regulatory authority over what information shows up in your social media feeds and Internet searches. And while C-11 will have little impact on content provided by larger news outlets (such as CBC, CTV and Global), it will be especially limiting with regard to small-scale Internet content creators (for example, this site: Opportunity Mocks).
Put simply, algorithms will be applied so as to squeeze out of the market many smaller content creators. For Canadians, the range of viewpoints and opinions they have access to will become increasingly fewer and fewer.
What will these new laws mean for our future?
There was a time when people believed the world to be flat; and, to espouse otherwise would result in a charge of blasphemy, with possibly a death sentence. Free expression is the means by which we human beings have advanced our collective knowledge. Sharing ideas is how we learn from the past and move forward.
What will Justin Trudeau’s new laws mean regarding how we share our thoughts and ideas? What speech will be compelled going forward? What words will be outlawed? If we are not free to communicate our true thoughts to one another, how can we debate anything? And, in this context, how are we to defend other rights and freedoms?
Thanks for stopping by! My next article will look at Cancel Culture and how it operates to stifle freedom of expression. Please SUBSCRIBE TO and SHARE this article. Is there really a conspiracy? You tell me! I’d love to hear your comments!
A freedom once lost becomes nearly impossible to have again. The original cost to lives and cost to families will be small compared to todays inflated costs. it will no longer be in just money but the sole of a nation. Freedoms that government grants can and will be taken as it suits the government. freedoms that are protected by government for government's benefits is not freedom. when gov. feers its people we have freedom. when people fear government we have tyranny.------ I, Grampa
Great article Josh.