Justice Centre urges UBC Board of Governors to better protect free speech on campus as it reconsiders UBC’s space booking policy
The Justice Centre has written to the Board of Governors of the University of British Columbia (UBC) urging Governors, as they meet today to discuss UBC’s current space booking policy, to disallow the practice of imposing “security fees” on events in which controversial or unpopular viewpoints are discussed. “The very mission and purpose of higher education is the pursuit of truth and knowledge in preparation for a life of usefulness in society, something that is only made possible by the freedom to propose new ideas and to critique and debate existing ideas without fear of...
Read MoreCourt hearing today over Ottawa Public Library’s censorship of documentary film
The Justice Centre is appearing before the Ontario Superior Court (Divisional Court) today to argue a court application against the Ottawa Public Library on behalf of Madeline Weld and Valerie Thomas. Ms. Weld and Ms. Thomas are challenging the Library’s last-minute decision to cancel a private viewing of a documentary film that was initially approved by Library staff. For a fee, the Library rents the use of its various rooms for private events to benefit the community. On October 25, 2017, Ms. Weld submitted a request to book the largest room, the auditorium, to privately show the...
Read MoreCourt application filed against Ontario school board for refusing to let a grandmother speak at a public board meeting
The Justice Centre has filed an application for Judicial Review in the Ontario Divisional Court against the Bluewater District School Board (the “Board”) for refusing to permit a concerned grandmother to give a brief presentation at a public school board meeting. The Board holds public meetings, and is required to do so under Ontario’s Education Act, and in accordance with the Board’s own By-Laws. The Board’s By-Laws state that “members of the community will be provided with an avenue to speak” at meetings of the Board. Individuals wishing to speak are asked to provide one...
Read MoreSecond victim of James Cyrynowski’s Human Rights Complaints steps forward
The Justice Centre has again written to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, this time on behalf of an Alberta mom who is facing a Human Rights Complaint for simply asking a potential babysitter whether he had kids. Danielle, whose surname is redacted to protect her family’s privacy, is an Edmonton mother of three young children. In February of this year, Danielle posted an ad on Kijiji looking for a babysitter for her children. On February 6, 2019, the Complainant, James Cyrynowski, responded to the ad detailing his credentials and experience. Danielle responded by asking James whether...
Read MoreSingle dad facing Human Rights Complaint for asking the age and gender of a potential babysitter
The Justice Centre has written to the Alberta Human Rights Commission on behalf of Alberta resident, Todd P., who is facing a formal Complaint under the Alberta Human Rights Act, for having asked about the age and gender of a potential babysitter for his young children. Todd is a single father with two sons, who were ages 5 and 8 at the time. On August 31, 2017, Todd posted an ad on Kijiji looking for a babysitter for an evening. One of those who responded to the add was the Complainant, James Cyrynowski. Todd replied to Mr. Cyrynowski asking some basic questions about Mr. Cyrynowski,...
Read MoreFree speech victory as City of Calgary drops ticket for “distributing printed material” without the City’s “consent”
The Justice Centre is pleased that the City of Calgary has withdrawn a ticket issued to Levi Almond, who was peacefully exercising his freedom of expression near an LRT station. On May 8, 2019, a group of like-minded individuals were peacefully expressing their Christian beliefs on a public walkway near the Brentwood LRT station. Some members of the group only spoke with passersby, while others handed out pamphlets that communicate Christian messages. Calgary Transit received complaints from individuals who claimed that members of the group were “harassing” transit users. Calgary...
Read MoreLatest Updates
- September 16, 2019
Justice Centre urges UBC Board of Governors to better protect free speech on campus as it reconsiders UBC’s space booking policy - September 11, 2019
Court hearing today over Ottawa Public Library’s censorship of documentary film - September 9, 2019 Court application filed against Ontario school board for refusing to let a grandmother speak at a public board meeting
- September 3, 2019 BC Court of Appeal hears father who objects to state interference with child's puberty
- August 29, 2019
Second victim of James Cyrynowski’s Human Rights Complaints steps forward - August 20, 2019
Single dad facing Human Rights Complaint for asking the age and gender of a potential babysitter - August 1, 2019
Free speech victory as City of Calgary drops ticket for “distributing printed material” without the City’s “consent” - July 24, 2019
Justice Centre applies to intervene in appeal of BC ruling ordering hormone treatment on child without parent’s consent - July 3, 2019
UBC commended for allowing Jenn Smith presentation but warned that security fees illegally undermine free speech on campus - July 2, 2019 Justice Centre representing three more BC aestheticians facing Human Rights complaints over refusal to perform waxing service