Thursday September 28, 2023 - Calgary
The annual recognition of a Canadian who has contributed to advancing and preserving freedom in our country.
September 28 | 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. | NE Calgary
Celebrate freedom at a special dinner in Calgary with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, world famous scientist and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, and Rav Arora, cutting-edge independent journalist who have joined forces to create The Illusion of Consensus on Substack. You won’t want to miss this evening of good company and conversation with Canadians who are championing democracy, the rule of law, and our Charter rights and freedoms.
Dinner Tickets: $200
All tickets include appetizers and dinner
VIP Dinner Tickets: $500
Includes pre-dinner reception with special guests Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Rav Arora
The location of the venue will be sent to all ticket holders prior to the event.
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 Peterson is unable to attend the Calgary dinner.
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