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The annual recognition of a Canadian who has contributed to advancing and preserving freedom in our country.

2023 Award Recipient: Dr. Jordan B. Peterson

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is committed to defending free expression. In January 2023, he shared that the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) has “demanded that [he] submit to mandatory social-media communication retraining,” or else face a disciplinary hearing. The CPO threatened his professional license because of his commitment to free speech.

Dr. Peterson is a firm advocate for personal responsibility-a pillar of a free society. He has consistently displayed courage in the face of adversity and perseverance in the face of ongoing unjustified attacks against his character and reputation.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is an author, psychologist, online educator, and Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto. He has written three books, including “Maps of Meaning,” an academic work, presenting a scientifically-grounded theory of religious and political belief, the bestselling “12 Rules for Life,”and “Beyond Order,” which have sold more than seven million copies.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is unable to attend the Vancouver Freedom Award dinner.

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About George Jonas

George Jonas (1935-2016) was a stalwart Canadian who knew firsthand the dangers of totalitarianism, having lived under both fascism and communism. The ideals of liberty and the free society permeated his writings as an author, poet, and National Post columnist.  

A refugee who came to Canada from communist Hungary in 1956, George Jonas played a key role in assisting the Justice Centre through his service on the Board of Directors of the Aurea Foundation, which provided generous grants to the Justice Centre in its early years. 

This wonderful evening includes a reception, dinner, the award presentation, and keynote speeches.


Past Recipients

The George Jonas Freedom Award - 2022

Recipient: Tamara Lich

The Justice Centre is pleased to have awarded the 2022 George Jonas Freedom Award to Tamara Lich, one of the participants of the Freedom Convoy, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to the cause of freedom. We recognize that Canada's legal system is founded on a principle of innocent until proven guilty.

Guest Speakers: Rex Murphy & The Honourable Brian Peckford

Watch: Tamara Lich speech


The George Jonas Freedom Award - 2021

Recipient: Canadians resisting unconstitutional lockdowns

This exclusive event will feature the premiere of "Canada's Freedom Fighters", a video showcasing courageous and notable Canadians across the country resisting unconstitutional lockdowns.

Guest Speakers: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Dr. Francis Christian

Watch: the Zoom Event


The George Jonas Freedom Award - 2020

Recipient: Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship (SAFS)

Established in 1992, SAFS is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that focuses on maintaining freedom in teaching, research and scholarship at post-secondary institutions in Canada. SAFS opposes speech codes, extra-legal tribunals and infringement on free speech of the academic community, both faculty and students, to research and teach on controversial subjects.


The George Jonas Freedom Award - 2019

Recipient: Christie Blatchford

The Justice Centre's George Jonas Freedom Award recognizes one Canadian each year who has made significant contributions to defending Canada's free society. This year's Jonas Award recipient was Christie Blatchford. Christie was introduced by renowned defence attorney Marie Henein at the Eglinton Theatre in Toronto, June 14.

Watch: Full Event On YouTube


The George Jonas Freedom Award - 2018

Recipient: Mark Steyn

The George Jonas Freedom Award was presented to Mark Steyn on Friday June 15, 2018 at the Eglinton Grand in Toronto. The award ceremony included a reception, dinner, and accolades to George Jonas from those who knew him best, concluding with a keynote speech from Mark Steyn.

Mark Steyn is a well-known Canadian human rights activist, political commentator and best-selling author. Steyn’s human rights campaign to restore free speech to Canada led to the repeal by Parliament of the notorious “Section 13” restrictions on free expression.

Watch: ZNews cover on YouTube

Watch: Full Event on YouTube

Columns & Reports - COVID-19


April 14, 2020 - Alberta's Bill 10 is an affront to the rule of law By John Carpay, The National Post

April 10, 2020 - The cost of the coronavirus cure could be deadlier than the disease - By John Carpay, The Post Millenial

April 7, 2020 - Analysis of Part 3 of Alberta’s Public Health Act: (Communicable Diseases and Public Health Emergencies)  - By John Carpay

April 5, 2020 - Canadian coronavirus prediction models must be transparent  - By John Carpay, The Post Millenial

Mar 31st, 2020 - Careful, crises are an ideal time for the state to grab powers: we’re already seeing it in Canada - By Justice Centre board member Bruce Pardy, The Financial Post

March 20, 2020 - Justice dismantled as restrictions placed on court systems - By staff lawyer Lisa Bildy, The Post Millenial

Columns & Reports - COVID-19


April 14, 2020 - Alberta's Bill 10 is an affront to the rule of law By John Carpay, The National Post

April 10, 2020 - The cost of the coronavirus cure could be deadlier than the disease - By John Carpay, The Post Millenial

April 7, 2020 - Analysis of Part 3 of Alberta’s Public Health Act: (Communicable Diseases and Public Health Emergencies)  - By John Carpay

April 5, 2020 - Canadian coronavirus prediction models must be transparent  - By John Carpay, The Post Millenial

Mar 31st, 2020 - Careful, crises are an ideal time for the state to grab powers: we’re already seeing it in Canada - By Justice Centre board member Bruce Pardy, The Financial Post

March 20, 2020 - Justice dismantled as restrictions placed on court systems - By staff lawyer Lisa Bildy, The Post Millenial