C Bry

Man taken away by Security Guards on Stampede Grounds for…waving the Albertan flag and being patriotic? Beats me. WTF Calgary Stampede?? What would you have done if that was a Pride flag?

While preparing for a brief on the independence petition due tomorrow, I came across this from the Supreme Court of Canada that is worth sharing: “The right of the people to discuss and debate ideas forms the very foundation of democracy… For this reason, the Supreme Court of Canada has assiduously protected the right of each citizen to participate in political debate... Permitting an effective voice for unpopular and minority views — views political parties may not embrace — is essential to deliberative democracy. The goal should be to bring the views of all citizens into the political arena for consideration, be they accepted or rejected at the end of the day. Free speech in the public square may not be curtailed merely because one might find the message unappetizing or the messenger distasteful… The ability to engage in effective speech in the public square means nothing if it does not include the ability to attempt to persuade one’s fellow citizens through debate and discussion. This is the kernel from which reasoned political discourse emerges. Freedom of expression must allow a citizen to give voice to her vision for her community and nation, to advocate change through the art of persuasion in the hope of improving her life and indeed the larger social, political and economic landscape… Freedom of expression protects not only the individual who speaks the message, but also the recipient. Members of the public — as viewers, listeners and readers — have a right to information on public governance, absent which they cannot cast an informed vote.” These are words from the Supreme Court of Canada that recognize the importance of debate and discussion, even when the views are unpopular, uncomfortable, or distasteful. So when someone tries to shut down the conversation, shame you, or tell you certain topics should not even be discussed, remind them of that. The answer is not silence or suppression. A petition, a debate, even a controversial idea, these are not failures of the system. They are expressions of it. The real risk is when we start deciding which views are acceptable to be heard. Because once that line starts moving, it does not stop where you think it will. So the question is: Are we prepared to actually live this principle or do we only support it when we agree with the message? Because the more you know and understand, the more effectively you can participate, ask better questions, and actually effect change.

BREAKING: Toronto approves city-run grocery stores In a 21–3 vote, councillors backed Anthony Perruzza’s plan to launch 4 municipally run stores to offer cheaper food. Big test for public retail.

Well there you have it. Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel says the Federal Governments absurd emission regulations & industrial carbon tax are a big factor in what’s holding them back from investing in a pipeline again.

The Combatting Hate Act passed in the House of Commons this week.    That’s a huge step forward in our mission to build a stronger, safer country where everyone — no matter who they are or how they worship — can live free from violence and intimidation.