Shepherd: A Tale of Two Censoring Universities
Two recent cases of campus censorship provide instructive contrast on the best course of action when it comes to upholding the standard for a free exchange of ideas. Armin Navabi is founder of the group Atheist Republic. He is an ex-Muslim who believes Muslims should abandon their religion for atheism rather than attempt to reform it. On March 19th 2019, two days before Navabi would deliver a presentation on “The Case against Islamic Reform” at Mount Royal University (MRU), MRU’s interfaith coordinator unilaterally cancelled the event, citing heightened sensitivities following the...
Read More“What is hate?” Justice Centre defends free expression on Parliament Hill today
The Justice Centre will testify today at 9:45 AM ET before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights as it studies the issue of “online hate” in Canada. The hearing will take place at Room 315, Wellington Building, 197 Sparks Street in Ottawa, and is open to the public. The Standing Committee opened this study following the Christchurch shootings in New Zealand that killed 51 people. Justice Centre Litigation Manager Jay Cameron will challenge the Standing Committee to consider the importance of developing a clear and specific definition of what constitutes online...
Read MoreJustice Centre calls for repeal of gag law that tramples Charter freedoms and violates citizens’ privacy
The Justice Centre today released a new policy paper calling for changes to Alberta’s Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act (“EFCDA”). This paper, “Defending Democratic Discourse: Repealing the Unconstitutional Provisions of the Elections Finance and Contributions Disclosure Act,” provides recommendations on how to amend the EFCDA so as to ensure it does not violate Charter-protected freedom of expression. In 2016, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta amended the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act to include...
Read MoreConstitutional challenge to Alberta municipal bylaw prohibiting trailer billboard signs
The Justice Centre has filed a court application at the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta on behalf of two individuals and a business challenging a bylaw of the Municipal District of Foothills. While permitting other large, highly visible signage that can readily be seen by drivers, the bylaw prohibits trailer billboard signs on the sides of highways, even when placed on private property. The Applicant Spot Ads Inc. is an Alberta corporation in the business of leasing advertising space on the sides of transport truck trailers placed on private property adjacent to...
Read MoreJustice Centre submits proposal for legislation to protect free speech on campus
The Justice Centre today expressed support for the Alberta Government’s pledge to hold public universities responsible for protecting free expression on campus. To support this pledge, the Justice Centre has submitted a policy paper to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. The paper includes specific suggestions on amending the Post-Secondary Learning Act, to optimize the protection of expression, discussion and debate on campus. This draft legislation, “Empowering Free Inquiry: An Act to Protect Free Expression at Alberta’s Public Colleges and Universities,”...
Read MoreCourt divided on Bill 24 injunction ruling
The Justice Centre is reviewing the Alberta Court of Appeal ruling upholding a lower court ruling that dismissed that application for an interim injunction that would stay the operation of Alberta’s Bill 24 pending a ruling in regards to its constitutionality. In dissent, Justice McDonald stated that he would enjoin the Government of Alberta from withholding or reducing funding or de-accrediting the schools in question. On account of this dissent, a right of appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada exists. The decision of the Alberta Court of Appeal addresses only the...
Read MoreLatest Updates
- May 21, 2019
Shepherd: A Tale of Two Censoring Universities - May 16, 2019 “What is hate?” Justice Centre defends free expression on Parliament Hill today
- May 13, 2019
Justice Centre calls for repeal of gag law that tramples Charter freedoms and violates citizens’ privacy - May 13, 2019 Constitutional challenge to Alberta municipal bylaw prohibiting trailer billboard signs
- May 7, 2019 Justice Centre submits proposal for legislation to protect free speech on campus
- April 30, 2019 Court divided on Bill 24 injunction ruling
- April 22, 2019 ‘GRABHER’ License Plate Hearing Wednesday, April 24 in Halifax
- April 11, 2019
Indigenous man challenges Manitoba Public Insurance decision to revoke his personalized “NDN CAR” license plate - April 8, 2019 Court hears free speech challenge to Manitoba Government revocation of “ASIMIL8” Star Trek licence plate
- March 28, 2019 Man fined $55,000 by BC Human Rights Tribunal over peaceful distribution of flyers critical of transgender political candidate