In a powerful speech delivered at the Canada Strong and Free conference in Ottawa, John Carpay, head of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, sounded the alarm on the erosion of individual rights in Canada. Carpay’s impassioned address highlighted two controversial pieces of legislation, the “Online Harms Act” (Bill C-63) and C-367, both of which, he argues, threaten the very foundation of Canadian freedoms.
The Online Harms Act: A Threat to Free Speech
Carpay described the Online Harms Act as “the most aggressive assault on freedom of expression in modern Canadian history.” Introduced in February, this bill aims to give the Canadian Human Rights Commission the power to prosecute non-criminal hate speech, a move Carpay argues will stifle free expression. Under this new legislation, individuals found guilty could be fined up to $50,000, payable to the federal government, and an additional $20,000 to the complainant.
According to Carpay, one of the bill’s most alarming aspects is the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes “hate.” The Supreme Court of Canada’s previous attempts to define hate speech have been convoluted and unclear, leaving significant room for subjective interpretation by bureaucrats. Carpay warns that this lack of clarity could lead to arbitrary prosecutions and severe financial penalties for Canadians exercising their right to free speech.
Additionally, the bill introduces the creation of a Digital Safety Commission, which will enforce censorship regulations passed by the federal cabinet without parliamentary oversight. This concentration of power in the executive branch, Carpay asserts, undermines democratic accountability and poses a grave threat to the principle of government as a servant of the people.
Bill C-367: An Attack on Religious Freedom
Bill C-367, proposed by the Bloc Québécois, seeks to remove the exemption for religious texts from hate speech legislation. Carpay argues that this bill could criminalize religious teachings on topics like homosexuality, potentially leading to prosecutions of religious leaders for quoting or teaching from their sacred scriptures.
Currently, the Criminal Code allows defenses against charges of willfully promoting hatred if the statements in question are based on religious texts. Removing this defense, Carpay contends, would open the door to a wave of prosecutions against pastors, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders for simply expressing their faith-based beliefs.
A Call to Action
Throughout his speech, Carpay emphasized the need for Canadians to actively engage in the democratic process to counter these legislative threats. He urged citizens to contact their Members of Parliament and participate in political parties to influence policy decisions. Carpay’s message was clear: the preservation of a free society requires the courage and perseverance of its citizens.
In a poignant conclusion, Carpay reminded the audience of the historical importance of fighting for individual rights and freedoms. Drawing parallels between contemporary Canada and the totalitarian regimes of the past, he underscored the urgency of resisting any encroachments on liberty. “Truth will always vanquish the lie,” he declared, “justice will always triumph over injustice, and freedom will win out over tyranny.”
As Canadians face the implications of Bills C-63 and C-367, Carpay’s words serve as a rallying cry for those who cherish the fundamental rights and freedoms that define their nation.
Carpay’s presentation was followed by a robust Question and Answer (Q&A) session.
RAIR Foundation asked John Carpay about the selective enforcement typically applied to illiberal laws, shifting power to the state and away from the individual.
Q&A Part II:
The post Canada’s Descent into Tyranny: John Carpay Exposes Trudeau’s War on Free Speech and Religion with Bills C-63 and C-367 (Exclusive Videos) appeared first on RAIR.
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Author: Amy Mek
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