UBC commended for allowing Jenn Smith presentation but warned that security fees illegally undermine free speech on campus
The Justice Centre has written to University of British Columbia (UBC) president Santa J. Ono, commending the University for its decision to permit activist Jenn Smith to give a public lecture at UBC’s Vancouver campus on Sunday, June 23, 2019. However, UBC insisted on charging the organizer a “security fee.” The Justice Centre has warned UBC to refrain from charging “security fees” at University-sanctioned events, a censorship tactic becoming increasingly common at Canada’s public universities. In early June 2019, a grassroots organization called Canadian Christian Lobby (CCL)...
Read MoreJustice Centre representing three more BC aestheticians facing Human Rights complaints over refusal to perform waxing service
The Justice Centre is representing two British Columbian aestheticians in hearings this week, and one later in July, at the BC Human Rights Tribunal. The three aestheticians face complaints for declining to perform waxing services for a trans-identifying individual who possesses male genitalia. The first complaint hearing against Blue Heaven Beauty Lounge and its owner, Sandeep Banipal, proceeds on July 4, 2019. Banipal and her husband are adherents to the Sikh religion. Ms. Banipal is not trained to wax male genitals, and due to religious and personal reasons is not comfortable doing so....
Read MoreSimcoe Muskoka Child Services sued for rejecting foster parents based on religion
A northern Ontario couple has filed a court application against Simcoe Muskoka Child, Youth and Family Services (“Child Services”) over its decision to reject their application to become foster parents. In November 2017, the couple “A.A.” and “B.A.,” who have three biological children of their own and for their sakes wish to remain anonymous, applied to become foster parents. They started the required training in January 2018 and completed it successfully in March, after which a Child Services social worker interviewed the couple. The social worker asked A.A. questions...
Read MoreJustice Centre warns federal government not to use “online hate” report to police legitimate expression
The Justice Centre today responded to the report released by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights concluding its study into “online hate” in Canada. The Standing Committee opened this study following the Christchurch shootings in New Zealand that killed 51 people. When testifying before this Standing Committee on May 16, 2019, Justice Centre Litigation Manager Jay Cameron challenged Members of Parliament to define online “hate.” In its report the Standing Committee recommended that the Government of Canada “formulate a definition of what constitutes...
Read MoreCourt rebukes City of Prince Albert over its refusal to permit a pro-life flag on guest flagpole
The Justice Centre is pleased with the decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench, which has rebuked the City of Prince Albert for its decision to refuse the application of a pro-life charitable organization to fly its promotional flag on the City’s courtesy flagpole. PARLA is a non-profit organization, comprised of Prince Albert and area residents, which seeks to promote the sanctity of life through prayer, education, and community work. PARLA’s work includes hosting Pro-Life events such as “Celebrate Life Week” and “Life Chain”, as well as other activities, such as...
Read MoreLindsay Shepherd testifies before Parliament today to share her perspective on “online hate”
Lindsay Shepherd, Campus Free Speech Fellow with the Justice Centre, will testify today before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights as it studies the issue of “online hate” in Canada. The Standing Committee opened this study following the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand that killed 51 people. This hearing is open to the public and starts at 8:45 a.m. in room 405 of the Wellington Building, 197 Sparks Street. Ms. Shepherd will be joined by historian, author and filmmaker, John W. Robson, and by noted political and social commentator Mark...
Read MoreLatest Updates
- 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 - June 20, 2019
Simcoe Muskoka Child Services sued for rejecting foster parents based on religion - June 18, 2019
Justice Centre warns federal government not to use “online hate" report to police legitimate expression - June 7, 2019
Court rebukes City of Prince Albert over its refusal to permit a pro-life flag on guest flagpole - June 3, 2019 Lindsay Shepherd testifies before Parliament today to share her perspective on “online hate”
- June 3, 2019 Summer camps charity takes Trudeau Government to court over denial of 2019 Canada Summer Jobs grants
- May 27, 2019 Supreme Court Justices divided on Charter freedoms, reports 2019 Judicial Freedom Index
- 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