Free Speech Union of Canada
February 17, 2025: Today marks the launch of the Free Speech Union of Canada (FSU).
A non-partisan, non-profit membership organization committed to defending free speech in Canada, FSU counts Prof. Bruce Pardy of Rights Probe as a director on its Board.
FSU is one of several international sister organizations linked to the Free Speech Union in the United Kingdom, founded by the high-profile British journalist and commentator Toby Young in 2020. While these sister organizations share a common vision and purpose, each operates independently within its own distinct political and legal environment.
“I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~ John Diefenbaker, Prime Minister of Canada 1957-1963, House of Commons Debates, 1 July 1960.
The Free Speech Union of Canada advocates for freedom of speech and intellectual inquiry, viewing these as essential pillars of a free society. The organization believes that free speech is crucial for human flourishing and the development and sharing of knowledge, as well as for shaping views on morality, religion, and politics. Robust debate, grounded in reason and evidence, is seen as the best way to resolve disagreements without resorting to violence or intimidation. Free speech is also regarded as a vital defence against abuses of power by politicians, with historical evidence showing that its denial is a tactic of tyrants and a precursor to the erosion of other freedoms.
The union emphasizes the right to free speech includes the right not to be compelled to express or affirm ideas one does not believe. It notes that free speech is under threat globally, particularly in schools, universities, the arts, media, administrative tribunals, and regulated professions. Under the guise of preventing harm, offense, and misinformation, a chilling effect has been cast over public discourse, leading to widespread self-censorship and anonymous online expression.
The Free Speech Union of Canada aims to restore a culture of free expression and protect it from encroachment. It takes no position on the validity of others' opinions but defends speech that is provocative and controversial, including views it may strongly disagree with. The union condemns incitements to violence and recognizes reasonable limits on expression, such as laws against defamation and child pornography.
To become a member or to learn more about the Free Speech Union of Canada, go directly to its website here: https://fsucanada.ca/.
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