In his recent Ministerial Mandate Letter to Diane Lebouthillier, the Minister of National Revenue, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must allow charities to do their work free from political harassment.
The post Trudeau…
Tag: free speech
The Canadian Progressive: Stephen Harper’s weird “thank you” letter to same public servants he terrorized
Stephen Harper has penned an I’m-a-nice-guy letter to the same federal public servants he terrorized, dictatorship-style, during his nine years in power. The post Stephen Harper’s weird “thank you” letter to same public servants he terrorized appeared first on The Canadian Progressive.
Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: Ontario defends freedom of expression, passes anti-SLAPP legislation
Ontario has passed a law to counter Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), lawsuits often used by deep-pocketed businesses to silence debate on public issues. The post Ontario defends freedom of expression, passes anti-SLAPP legislation appeared first on The Canadian Progressive.
Continue readingA Puff of Absurdity: The Lives of Others
I have this poster on the wall of my classroom: It’s important to know. It’s necessary to understand how things work. And then it’s vital to act rightly in the face of the truth. That’s the message in The Lives of Others, a gripping film with one of the best
Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: Margaret Atwood leads artists’ rebellion against Harper’s Bill C-51
Celebrated author Margaret Atwood is leading a group of 200 notable Canadian writers and artists demanding an immediate repeal of Bill C-51, Stephen Harper’s “secret police” legislation. C51, the artists argue, “directly attacks the creative arts and free expression in this country.” The post Margaret Atwood leads artists’ rebellion against
Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: All this Quebec candidate would ask for? A “cellphone, a penis and lots of chips”
All Bloc Québécois candidate VirJiny Provost would want in the event that she was the sole survivor of a catastrophic nuclear attack is a “cellphone, a penis and lots of chips.” The post All this Quebec candidate would ask for? A “cellphone, a penis and lots of chips” appeared first
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Monday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material to start your week. – Branko Milanovic answers Harry Frankfurt’s attempt to treat inequality as merely an issue of absolute deprivation by reminding us how needs are inherently social: “[Under necessities] I understand not only the commodities that are indispensable for the support of life, but whatever the
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: On opinion evidence
There’s plenty of reason for concern about some of the views put forward by the Cons’ latest Supreme Court appointment. But keeping those concerns in mind, I’ll argue that we should be careful about putting too much emphasis on Justice Russell Brown’s past blog posts, rather than the more important
Continue readingThe Tory Pirate - Politics & Policy: A Court Case With Serious Implications For Free Speech
National Post Article Worth keeping an eye on. If law becomes a matter of personal opinion rather than some kind of objective standard we may as well close up shop and call it a day because Canada will be done for.
Continue readingGoing to jail for words
One morning in early June, Aaron Driver was walking to his bus stop in Winnipeg’s Charleswood neighbourhood when a white, unmarked van pulled up, armed men got out, forced him into the van and drove away. This is Canada, so of course the men were police officers and they were
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Friday Morning Links
Assorted content to end your week. – Michael Schwartz and Kevin Young make the case for a greater focus on influencing corporations and other institutions first and foremost – with the expectation that more fair public policy will be possible if a dominant business sector doesn’t stand in the way.
Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: Harper must clarify ‘zero tolerance’ for Israel boycotters: Church
The United Church of Canada wants “clear reassurance” that Prime minister Stephen Harper does not intend to criminalize Canadians critical of Israel. The post Harper must clarify ‘zero tolerance’ for Israel boycotters: Church appeared first on The Canadian Progressive.
Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: Harper’s effort to criminalize legitimate Canadian criticism of Israel is diabolical
Canadians have a moral obligation to revolt against Stephen Harper’s efforts to criminalize both legitimate criticism of Israel and support for Palestinians. The post Harper’s effort to criminalize legitimate Canadian criticism of Israel is diabolical appeared first on The Canadian Progressive.
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: The oppressive market
Shorter Cons: Talking about not buying goods is officially a punishable offence.
Continue readingOpenMedia.ca: CJFE: Today is World Press Freedom Day. What’s the state of free expression in Canada?
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Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: Toronto Symphony Orchestra Silences Ukrainian-born Pianist Valentina Lisitsa
A violation of free speech on Canadian soil as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra drops Ukrainian-born pianist Valentina Lisitsa for her political views. The post Toronto Symphony Orchestra Silences Ukrainian-born Pianist Valentina Lisitsa appeared first on The Canadian Progressive.
Continue readingThe Canadian Progressive: Elizabeth May Rejects Harper’s Cosmetic Bill C-51 Amendments
Harper’s Bill C-51 remains “dangerous and undemocratic” and “deeply unconstitutional” despite the Conservatives’ proposed amendments, says MP Elizabeth May. The post Elizabeth May Rejects Harper’s Cosmetic Bill C-51 Amendments appeared first on The Canadian Progressive.
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. – Simon Wren-Lewis connects the UK’s counterproductive austerity program to the lack of any wage growth. And Gary Lamphier observes that Alberta is serving as a case in point that jobs generated through public policy rigged in favour of the wealthy are no
Continue readingA Puff of Absurdity: On Free Speech and Safe Spaces
Pathologizing disagreement is an intellectually dishonest way to cope with challenging arguments. It certainly doesn’t support critical thinking. It also creates a culture wherein people are afraid to express dissenting opinions or question the party line….It’s okay to disagree, but not to frame differences of opinion as abuse. Meghan Murphy
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Wednesday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material for your mid-week reading. – Garfield Mahood and Brian Iler discuss the challenge facing charities as compared to the special treatment of businesses in trying to advocate as to public policy: (T)he solutions to many of society’s problems do not need more research and the criticism-free public education
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