The Freedom Feature Podcast - First Freedoms Foundation

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“. . . they became a mindless, accepting horde and that’s what happened in Canada. . . . That was the level of hate and fear that the government on purpose cultivated in the Canadian people.” – Ken Drysdale

In this video, part 2 of 3, Barry W. Bussey asks NCI Commissioner Ken Drysdale for lessons learned from the National Citizens’ Inquiry of 2023. Ken concedes that public apathy is to blame. From lack of interest and knowledge of voters to the Canadian political process, to what is and isn’t being taught in the education system, if we as citizens do not engage ourselves with current events, we can only expect more of the same poor outcomes. To add to the process, our government passes legislation and then they create regulatory boards that pass mandates and such that don’t get debated in parliament. Ken reminds us that we all can play a role in helping to maintain our democracy even if it’s just showing up at a “political” gathering with some home baked goods.

The NCI website contains 305 testimonies from Canadian citizens as part of the Covid-19 response. Click on Hearings: https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/commissioners-report/

Ken Drysdale is founder of the website and movement Manitoba Strong Together. They advocate for democracy by creating community and educating people. No merchandise is sold nor donations accepted. https://www.manitobastrongertogether.ca/  

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“If your citizenry can’t rely on getting a fair and even judgement in a court regardless of their standing in society . . . then you’ve left them with the choice of being violent . . . .” – Ken Drysdale

In this video (part 1 of 3), Barry W. Bussey talks with Ken Drysdale who was Chair of Commissioners during the National Citizens’ Inquiry which took place in eight cities across Canada from March to May 2023. The NCI was a citizen-led inquiry into Canada’s COVID-19 response. They took testimonies from 305 witnesses. Topics in the video touch on informed consent, coercion, the failure of our institutions and government misinformation. Ken challenges all viewers to go to the NCI website and pick three testimonies and watch them and he guarantees that they will change your life. Download the full report or listen to citizen testimonies: https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“. . . unscrupulous individuals could use it as a means of basically earning an income.” – Barry W. Bussey On Faytene TV, Barry W. Bussey and Josh Dehass discuss the potential negative harms of Bill C-63.
Barry Bussey is a practising lawyer in Peterborough, Ontario; he is an author and he is founder of First Freedoms Foundation.
Josh Dehaas is Counsel with the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms, and co-host of the podcast Not Reserving Judgment.
Act now! Use the form to tell your MP to STOP Bill C-63:
https://firstfreedoms.ca/stopbillc63/

Beat the censors; sign up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/“Speech must not be so curtailed that a person is not permitted to voice an opposing opinion for fear that he or she will offend someone who has a different opinion.” – Barry W. Bussey

Barry delivers his recent op-ed published in The Epoch Times: https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/online-harms-act-would-kill-dialogue-and-free-speech-not-encourage-it-5610384

The proposed Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) raises alarming concerns for free expression in Canada. From quasi-judicial tribunals to increased penalties, it poses a risk to constitutionally protected speech. Join us in opposing this bill and preserving our fundamental freedoms.

Act now! Use the form to tell your MP to STOP Bill C-63:
https://firstfreedoms.ca/stopbillc63/

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“The law is always going to be involved in issues with a political dimension, but that is different from the court itself being political.” – Barry W. Bussey

In this video, Barry presents his thoughts on the politicization of the Supreme Court of Canada. There is much discussion about the recent Kruk decision wherein Justice Martin, at paragraph 109, brought into the legal vernacular “person with a vagina.” Barry points out that this development is part of an ongoing process at the SCC that is very worrying.

Barry reminds us that it was Chief Justice Richard Wagner’s condemnation of the Trucker Freedom Convoy 2022 that epitomizes the extent to which the politicization of the SCC has gone. This development is a far cry from the highwater mark during the tenure of Chief Justice Bora Laskin who maintained that judges are to abstain from politics in keeping with their impartiality and their independence.

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“The Online Harms Bill—if passed into law—will make the government’s COVID-19 overreach look like child’s play.” – Barry W. Bussey

A child with a hammer sees everything as a nail. Nothing is off limits to that child. A child with power can do a lot of damage. You know. You have seen the school yard bully yourself as a child. They have no remorse for the pain they inflict. They just laugh.

Jordan Peterson’s recent National Post op-ed points out that 5% of the population consists of those with the “Dark Tetrad personality traits — the manipulators, narcissists, psychopaths and sadists” who are now given the hammer of the internet — where they “can give full expression to their worst impulses online, invading every space of commentary with their purposefully hurtful, bitter and vengeful provocation, aiming precisely at spreading the grief and misery their vengeful souls wish to perpetrate on the world.”

There can be no doubt that protecting the public from such individuals doing their worst online is laudable. These people need to be bridled so that they are unable to run havoc in our society. Evil has been given full sway online and it does not stay online. It often manifests itself in our streets. We have reason to be concerned about online hatred.

However, is Bill C-63 the Online Harms Bill the appropriate tool to address the problem? Or, is it itself a hammer given to government that will now see everything as a nail?

This is the first video of many Barry is making on the dangers of Bill C-63. This is a bill that simply must not become law. It must be stopped in its current form. You can help!

Sign our petition today - https://firstfreedoms.ca/stopbillc63/

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“We have to make sure that we’re open for market-dominated economics and not just pay for whatever the latest trend is.” – Derek Sloan

The Ontario Party was established in 2018 and Derek Sloan became its leader in 2021. At its core, the party stands for freedom, family and faith. In this video, Derek tells fellow lawyer Barry W. Bussey that he wants to bring sanity back into politics. Our main systems of healthcare and education need reform. Because of their compounding effects, immigration needs to be reined in and housing needs to be expanded. Ontario’s economy is stalled; Derek’s not interested in mud slinging the other parties, but he believes the PCs, Liberals and NDP have become too focused on new ideas that have not stood the test of time. We need to regain substantive manufacturing to restore Ontario to its former wealth.

Right now, the Ontario Party needs to collect ~ 1,000 signatures from Ontario residents who are also Canadian citizens to be able to register the party to fight again in the next election.

Fill out the form at this link:

https://mcusercontent.com/cf445e062971a932e6da941b6/files/a707344c-a813-7eb3-25a2-ce2eae98cceb/ONP_registration_signatures_form.pdf. Then email the form to signatures@ontarioparty.ca.

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“The POEC was a farce for the simple reason that it was never even discussed about why the convoy went to Ottawa.” – Tom Marazzo

Canadian activist and author Tom Marazzo joins Barry W. Bussey once again, with an eye to the future now that Justice Mosley declared the government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act unconstitutional. At least 280 Canadians, including Tom, had their bank accounts frozen because the banks were given immense power under the federal government to do so. That such Communist tactics like taking your freedom to move around, taking your purchasing power and taking your power to earn money away from you simply because you don’t agree with the prime minister’s political views even happened in Canada should send shivers up your spine. And, no person should ever forget the tyranny our fellow humans suffered under despots like Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and Mao Zedong. We can never forget that power corrupts. WE have to stop it from happening. There is only one human history.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“When the government delegates authority to the bureaucracy, the bureaucrats are in essence—through their regulations—creating law, and they’ve been granted that.” – Barry W. Bussey, lawyer, author, founder of First Freedoms Foundation

In this video, Barry is interviewed by Canadian expat trucker, writer and podcaster, Gordon Magill. Both men attended the freedom convoy in Ottawa two years ago; both describe it as a spiritual event. For Barry, the convoy was a reaction of Canadians to refuse to have their bodily autonomy taken away from them by the State. Standing on an overpass in Ottawa, Gordon realized that Canadians were healing from a deep-seated betrayal. People were simply overjoyed that they were coming together to do something about the tyranny that had descended upon them. Barry goes on to explain how Canada came to its eroded state of democracy: legislators have delegated their authority to the bureaucrats. Courts, at the same time, have been deferring to the decisions of the bureaucrats because, they say, the bureaucrats are the experts. Basically, the courts have failed in their responsibility to ensure that the rights of the citizens have not been unjustly infringed.

Gord Magill is a writer and commentator on the trucking industry as well as politics in Canada surrounding The Freedom Convoy. He has spent 27 years trucking across four different countries. 

You can find his writing and podcast, The Voice of GO(r)D, at https://autonomoustruckers.substack.com/

Donations to assist with legal proceedings for The Coutts 4 Men can be made at https://www.givesendgo.com/trudeauspoliticalprisoners“

On www.firstfreedoms.ca are over 100 videos of Barry interviewing doctors, lawyers, educators, pastors, a pilot, authors . . . all on the themes of freedom.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“If we go woke, that’s the end of the American republic. That’s the end of genuine Canadian and English democracy. . . . The revolutions of the Left never succeeded; they never end and their promises never happen.” – Os Guinness

In this interview, author Os Guinness shares with Barry W. Bussey his belief that the move towards cultural Marxism—begun in the 1960s—has been achieved and is the reason we now have woke business, woke military, woke government, woke justice and woke education—all at odds with freedom of religion. Os traces the modern ideologies so prevalent in Western society today back to the French Revolution which laid the foundation for the Russian and Chinese revolutions. Throughout the interview, we are provided with ideas of how to counteract the cultural revolution of woke ideology as Os draws on precepts from history, religion and philosophy.

See more Os’s work on his website:

Os Guinness

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“As long as you’re abiding by the law, challenging the government is a healthy thing and we should never be afraid of it.” – Eva Chipiuk

On January 23, 2024, The Honourable Richard Mosley declared the Emergencies Act invoked on February 14, 2022 to be unlawful. In part 2/2, lawyers Barry W. Bussey and Eva Chipiuk discuss how this transgression happened and how it may be avoided in the future. Canadians seem to have a culture of showing deference to its elected officials. During the truckers’ convoy especially, many Canadians were waiting for lawyers to speak up over this violation of February 2022, but . . .  the judiciary, lawyers, citizens, elected officials and media all have a role to play in a robust democracy. Canadians need to rid themselves of this idea that other, more outspoken people will step up to the plate to protect our rights. Our causes, our institutions and democracy itself need to be defended by reasonable and ordinary Canadians.

Need a primer on Canadian civics? Check out some courses on Eva’s website:

Empowered Canadians – Citizens v. Government

Follow Eva on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“Canadians were so united in their cause that no matter what the challenge was, they came together and figured out how they were going to help.” – Eva Chipiuk

In part 1 of this interview, lawyers Eva Chipiuk and Barry W. Bussey harken back to the truckers’ convoy in Ottawa now at its two-year anniversary. Like Barry and so many Canadians, Eva was galvanized by the positive energy generated in support of the truckers. While Canadians stepped up and provided essentials like food and gasoline to keep the protest going, Eva says we now need to elevate our conversation about democracy in Canada; we need to move on from the clever quips on social media and really learn about our democratic rights and freedoms and actively engage in them.

Check out some courses on civics on this website Eve founded:

Empowered Canadians – Citizens v. Government

Follow Eva on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“We’ve reached a point where our institutions have lost all credibility. . . . It’s us now. . . . We have to look to our peers for insight and some idea of the direction in which we’re heading.” – Jason James

In part 3 of 3, Barry Bussey and Jason James delve into the influence of unelected bodies—mainly the World Economic Forum (WEF)—on Canadian politics. Canadians may be surprised to hear, for example, that the Canadian Pension Plan (CPPIB) is a partner of the WEF: our retirement money is being governed by WEF principles and helping to fuel WEF agendas.

Follow Jason James on X and read his articles on Substack.

https://twitter.com/jasonjamesbnn

https://bravenewnormal.substack.com/ Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Tom Marazzo is a former Canadian military veteran and college professor turned activist and author. His book is called “The People’s Emergency Act: Freedom Convoy 2022.” In this interview with Barry Bussey, part 2, Tom and Barry discuss the importance of books being written by people involved in the truckers’ protest so people who were against the convoy can read and judge for themselves how accurately the mainstream media portrayed the event. As Tom says, in this digital age, we now all have the opportunity to write the history books. In the interview, Tom names four Canadian government officials—drawing an analogy to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse referenced in the Bible—who have become “the architects of ruin in this country.” Tom’s message is a good warning for all of us to be vigilant of our politicians—to hold them accountable for their actions and to make sure they are acting in the public’s best interest.

Check out Tom’s links here:

Website: https://tommarazzo.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=tom%20marazzo

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Tom Marazzo is a former Canadian military veteran and college professor turned activist and author. He has written a book called “The People’s Emergency Act.” In this interview with Barry Bussey, Tom reveals some of the content of the book including dispelling some myths and rumours about what actually happened in meetings with representatives of the OPP, Ottawa Police Service and City of Ottawa. Tom was originally called by a friend to come to the convoy to help with practical matters like ensuring the truckers had enough gasoline and food, but as matters evolved, so did his role. This behind-the-scenes look at the events of 2022 adds another dimension to the unprecedented story of the Canadian truckers’ convoy.

Check out Tom’s links here:

Website: https://tommarazzo.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=tom%20marazzo

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Drones flying above, vandalism to property, people shouting angrily, police presence. While this may sound like a scene in an action film, this is what was happening in Aylmer, Ontario in 2020. The pandemic was on and government over-reach was in overdrive. In part 2 of his interview with Barry Bussey, Pastor Henry Hildebrandt of the Aylmer Church of God recounts the uncalled-for behaviour of police officers, judges and locals in his community who believed they were acting responsibly. Collectively, the pastor, his parishioners and other people associating with the Church were ironically fined over $339,000 “for causing harm to the community.” Three years later, the pastor is still dealing with these spurious infractions.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Learn how you can help the pastor fight the fines:
Website: https://henryhildebrandt.com
Website: https://www.givesendgo.com/Aylmerchurchofgod

Website: https://churchofgod.com/

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In March of 2020, Canadian government officials were announcing to Canadians that two weeks would be needed to flatten the COVID curve. This sounded reasonable, and upon these announcements, Pastor Henry Hildebrandt of the Church of God complied with these orders. He shut down his church in Aylmer, Ontario. However, after two weeks had passed, he began to notice anomalies in his community and in Canada’s largest cities: places like McDonald’s and Walmart were open while all small businesses were forced to shut down. All “non-essential services”, including churches, were ordered to close. Things were not making sense to Pastor Hildebrandt. How could eating in a fast-food restaurant be essential but following one’s faith not? In part 1 of his interview with Barry Bussey, Pastor Hildebrandt describes how his and churches across the country were unfairly treated; he describes his creative solution of reaching his congregants and how the governments’ strategies to divide and manipulate the public had the surprising opposite effect on him and his congregation.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Next week in Part 2, Pastor Hildebrandt tells Barry about his experiences with government during the pandemic and the court cases he’s involved in.

Check out Pastor Hildebrandt's information links below:
Website: https://churchofgod.com/congregations/aylmer-ontario/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorhildebrandt/
YouTube: https://churchofgod.com/channels/

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Last week, in part 1 of her interview with Barry, Frances spoke about actions and ideas that led to her being fired by her long-term employer, Mount Royal University. This week, in part 2 of the interview, Frances delves into some of the work by her and other researchers* that became scrutinized by woke activists; for example, the fact that there is no evidence that 215 residential school children are buried in the apple orchard in Kamloops. She agrees, for humanitarian reasons, that such a claim needs to be investigated (to date, no excavation has taken place) because reason, evidence and logic should prevail. Without evidence, how can anyone determine if something is fundamentally true or not, yet the woke stance is simply to let whatever oppressed group—in this case Indigenous—pronounce their own subjective truths however unscientific they may be. Frances is now working with various organizations to help people realize that academic universities could be on their way out and be replaced as activist entities if action is not taken now.

*Nina Green, June 2023: Probably the most important thing we now know about Kamloops is that 2,000 linear feet of trenches about 3 feet deep lined with clay tiles and running east-west were dug in 1924 as a septic field to dispose of the school’s sewage. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) cannot distinguish between a trench lined with clay tiles and a putative child’s grave. The GPR profile is very similar.

Source: The Kamloops ‘Discovery’: A Fact-Check Two Years Later – The Dorchester Review

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Frances’ information links below:

Website: The Woke Academy – Exposing Totalitarian Identity Politics

Website: SAFS – Defending Freedom in Teaching, Research and Scholarship

Website: Minding The Campus — Reforming Our Universities

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In 2021, Frances Widdowson, PhD, was a professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Her specialtywas governmental indigenous policy. At around the same time Widdowson was having “personnel issues” at Mount Royal, a pro fessor at the University of Lethbridge invited her to deliver a talk on wokeism and how it threatens academic freedom. When word got out at Lethbridge, a small group—members of the students’ association, some indigenous studies faculty, and a women and gender studies professor—began to agitate; the group grew larger and a petition was put forth and the lecture was cancelled. Soon, Widdowson was fired from Mount Royal and she sued the University of Lethbridge in defence of her right to freedom of expression which includes the right for people to hear. She is not seeking financial restitution; her goal is for the lecture to proceed. In the interview with Barry, Widdowson explains how previously, it was acceptable for her theories on indigenous policy to be posited; she reveals these theories, and she reminds us how identity politics has become totalitarian in nature.

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Marty Moore and Hatim Kheir.

In this discussion, these men discuss the impact of government restrictions on religious gatherings and how it took center stage. Highlighting the challenges posed by indoor and outdoor limitations, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) emerged as a key player in challenging these restrictions. Both participants emphasized the need to scrutinize the reasonableness of such measures, citing the duty of the courts to uphold Canadians' constitutional freedoms. The conversation went into the vital role of the courts in preventing governmental overreach and safeguarding citizens' rights. 

Despite a seeming “pause” in restrictions, ongoing legal battles prove the importance of organizations like JCCF, which continue to support those adversely affected. The debate over the necessity of restrictions saw government experts and opposing voices at odds. Comparisons with the United States shed light on differences in how religious freedom is treated. 

While the U.S. defended these freedoms robustly, some argue that Canada appears to place less value on them. The conversation probed whether our society prioritizes prosecuting religious leaders over addressing underlying issues. The lack of care and respect for individual freedoms was a recurring concern. Marty Moore and Hatim Kheir voiced a shared sentiment: Canada is a nation worth fighting for, with constitutional principles that must be upheld to ensure the well-being and freedom of its citizens.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Marty & Hatim’s information links below:

Marty:

Website: jccf.ca  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-moore-53b149187/ 

Hatim:

Website: jccf.ca 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hatim_Kheir_

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This is part one of a two-part interview with Marty Moore and Hatim Kheir. In a time of unprecedented challenges, Marty Moore and Hatim Kheir continue to be defenders of constitutional rights through their work at the Justice Centre. As the weight of restrictions imposed by the provincial health officer fell over British Columbia, Marty Moore, a constitutional lawyer, represented several churches who challenged the government's prohibition on church gatherings and protests.  Moore shares with Barry the significant breaches of freedom of conscience and religion, highlighting the disheartening reality that the courts are consistently showing deference to the government.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, Hatim Kheir had his own case  journey dealing with similar issues as he represented the Alymer Church of God and the Bible Chapel. Challenging Ontario's gathering restrictions, Hatim Kheir faced a court of appeal's decision upholding government restrictions as constitutional.

The Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear both of these cases which means the lower court decisions remain in the governments favour. While the court has historically delved into contentious public policy issues, this time, its silence has left questions unanswered. This shift poses a significant concern for the future.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Marty & Hatim’s information links below:
Marty:

Website: jccf.ca  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-moore-53b149187/ 

Hatim:

Website: jccf.ca 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hatim_Kheir_

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This is an interview with Hatim Kheir and Jojo Ruba, two passionate voices advocating for freedom of expression and the power of open dialogue. Hatim, a lawyer representing Free to Care's intervention in the Bill Whatcott case, tackled the controversial issues raised in the case. Hatim, Jojo, and Barry discussed the importance of vigilance against repeating historical mistakes against freedom of speech and the need to push back when it is being challenged today. In this evolving legal landscape, courts' views have shifted, recognizing the delicate balance between critique and hate.

Barry and his guests discussed the challenges arising from the misconception that criticizing behavior equates to hating individuals. Jojo’s dedication to confronting relativism—a belief in the absence of objective truth—became a central theme in this interview. They emphasized the importance of showing up and engaging in conversations that shape society's future. Both Hatim and Jojo recognize the broader implications: that it's not just freedom of expression at stake, but the core of who we are and how we interact with one another. As courts continue to evolve and society faces complex issues, their efforts remind us to safeguard the right to speak out while fostering understanding and progress.

Check out Hatim and Jojo’s information below:

Hatim:

Website: jccf.ca 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hatim_Kheir_ 

Jojo: 

Website: https://www.freetocare.ca/staff 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JojoRRuba?s=20 

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Maggie Braun, the visionary behind "Gather 2030," a groundbreaking newsletter program that's more than just a collection of words – it's a blueprint of creative and positive strategies. Maggie believes in bringing people together, fostering deeper connections at both the individual and community levels. Through Gather 2030, she's weaving a web of like-minded individuals across the nation, uniting their skills and businesses in a tangible directory.

Maggie's focus remains steadfast on networking resources among those who share her values. In a world that sometimes feels overwhelmed by negativity, she strives to keep the newsletter's content resoundingly positive. Recognizing the power of local organizations, she emphasizes effective grassroots efforts. With a firm belief in individual freedoms, Maggie champions the importance of allowing citizens to thoughtfully and carefully shape their own decisions, rather than being dictated to by the government.

As an advocate for freedom of thought and speech, Maggie encourages her fellow freedom thinkers to step into the public sphere. Yet, she's no stranger to challenges; Maggie's encountered struggles in her endeavors, facing unresponsiveness from government entities and occasional sidelining.

For Canadians, she emphasizes the necessity of understanding government protocols and procedures, enabling informed, effective engagement. However, Maggie knows that change starts within. She urges individuals to prioritize mental health and the home front, understanding that personal well-being serves as a foundation for collective transformation. In a world of noise, Maggie Braun stands as a beacon of peaceful persistence, creating connections, fostering positive change, and encouraging all to walk the path of thoughtful activism.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Maggie’s LinkedIn and Gather 2030 links below:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maggie-braun-11033a121 

Gather 2030: https://substack.com/@maggiehopebraun 

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Lauren Heuser, the founder of "Canadian Affairs," a newly launched digital newspaper for Canadian professionals and families.

In this episode, Barry and Lauren discuss the Online News Act and its effect on digital news startups’ ability to reach audiences through social media and search engines. Lauren voices concern that this new legislation favours the interests of legacy publishers over emerging news startups, which rely almost entirely on social media and search engines to reach audiences. 
Lauren discusses the looming impact of this bill – diminished and poorer news content due to cost implications. She commends the Conservative Party's vocal stance against the Online News Act and hopes for further advocacy against it from both the Conservatives and NDP.

Check out her Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts below:
Website: www.canadianaffairs.news  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenheuser Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenEHeuser?s=20  Instagram:  @heuser.lauren @canadian_affairs

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This is part one of a two-part interview with Maggie Braun, a passionate advocate who has never shied away from fighting for what she believes in. 

From her early years being raised in Canada, Maggie's deep interest in society's workings has driven her. A lifelong environmental enthusiast, she kickstarted an activist group in high school and pursued Ecosystem Management in University.

She ran for the Federal Election with the Canadian Action Party in 2011 and remained involved in hometown initiatives. A devoted mother, she homeschools her children, passing on her values. Her initial impression of Canada was a call to care for its environment, yet she became disheartened witnessing environmental issues left unattended.

Maggie's life took a new turn when she engaged with the Freedom Convoy, joining the frontlines of a trucker protest. Her experience was a revelation: the convoy transformed into a circle of healing, where diverse voices shared stories of struggles and stresses. The convoy's spirit shattered media portrayals, uniting people of all backgrounds in a shared purpose.

Seeing the parallel of government treatment to history's dark chapters, Maggie connected with like-minded individuals at the convoy, a powerful contrast to her former isolation. Arrested on the last day of the convoy, her courageous stance laid out the printed Bill of Rights before the police, leading to a shocking exchange with a riot officer.

For Maggie, the Freedom Convoy wasn't just a protest, but a reminder that uniting people ignites genuine power. With unwavering determination, she stands ready to fight for freedom alongside the people, with a conviction that through connection comes the strength to battle for freedom till the very end.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Maggie’s LinkedIn below:

linkedin.com/in/maggie-braun-11033a121

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This is part one of a two-part interview with Lauren Heuser, the distinguished woman behind "Canadian Affairs," a newly launched newspaper outlet.
Originally from Manitoba, Lauren moved to Toronto to pursue her passion for law, but in 2015, she found herself drawn to journalism and decided to embark on a new career path. Alongside her journalism journey, she also earned an MBA, giving her a unique combination of skills and knowledge.
What sets "Canadian Affairs" apart is its unwavering focus on its audience - Canadian professionals and families. This clear vision guides their editorial strategy, ensuring that each piece is impactful and resonates with their target readers. 
Canadian Affairs strives to produce content with great sources and insightful perspectives. To support the growth of her outlet, Lauren has sought advice from various experts, particularly those with backgrounds in journalism and business. 

Networking has played a crucial role in Lauren's journey, helping her refine her business strategy and establish what will make Canadian Affairs distinctive from its competitors.

In a constantly evolving industry, Lauren understands the value of learning from others and seeking different perspectives.

With her wide range of experiences, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to delivering top-notch journalism, Lauren Heuser is leaving a mark on the Canadian media landscape, inspiring others to pursue their passions with purpose and determination.
Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.
Check out her Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts below:
Website: www.canadianaffairs.news  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenheuser Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenEHeuser?s=20 
Instagram:  @heuser.lauren @canadian_affairs

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Curtis McManus, an author Curtis McManus, who skillfully navigates the complexities of our modern age.

As we delve into the age of nihilism, McManus addresses the refusal to accept reality as it is offered. Revealing parallels to historical events, such as the hostility towards religion during the French Revolution, he brings to our attention the destruction of churches.

With a deep understanding of history's cycles, McManus reminds us that every social and political order is destined to rise and fall repeatedly. As we witness democracy in the Western world teetering, Curtis McManus challenges us to question whether we have stretched the liberties of freedom to their limits. He invites us to ponder the direction of history, and if it lacks a predetermined goal, where is it heading? With kingdoms and empires rising and falling throughout time, McManus discusses with us to be mindful and never take the precious moments we live for granted.

Throughout the interview, Curtis McManus draws inspiration from C.S. Lewis, who wisely said, "progress means getting nearer the place where you want to be, and if you've taken a wrong turning, then going forward does not get you any nearer..."

His compelling insights encourage us to engage in thoughtful reflection, embracing the significance of our choices in shaping the world we live in.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out his website (with links to his books) and Twitter below:

Website/Books: www.curtismcmanus.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtisRMcManus?s=20

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Jason Kurz, a resilient individual who fearlessly stands up for his beliefs. 

Even with having lost his job at Ontario Power Generation, Jason is unwavering in his decision not to take the vaccine, citing the rushed process and his firm belief in God's intelligent design and the resilience of our bodies.

Passionate about individual freedom and respecting personal choices, Jason is deeply involved in various unions, recognizing the strength that comes in numbers. When his union hesitated to support him, he took matters into his own hands, submitting eight grievances and appealing to the grievance committee review board.

Unyielding in his pursuit of justice, Jason declined financial offers and filed a failure to represent the claim. Consequently, he finds himself banned from his previous workplace's sites and properties. However, he remains perseverant, believing that in future times like this pandemic, more people will begin to question authority and seek answers.

To Jason, freedom is a sacred and individual right, and he encourages others to reflect on who holds authority over their bodies. With deep appreciation, he stands in solidarity with everyone fighting for the freedom movement, demonstrating the power of determination and unwavering conviction.

Join Jason Kurz on his inspiring journey as he champions individual freedom and challenges the status quo in a world craving truth and liberty. His story is a testament to the strength of character and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Jason’s Tik Tok link below:

https://www.tiktok.com/@forkandtorchsociety?_t=8e5vgKL9M4j&_r=1

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Gabrielle Bauer, author of "Blindsight is 2020," who delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the younger generation in her insightful book. Gabrielle sheds light on how children's needs and lives can be often neglected, emphasizing the obligation of the older generation to create meaningful opportunities for the younger generation's well-being and growth. 

She reminds us that virus transmission has been an inevitable part of human existence since the beginning of time. During the pandemic, Gabrielle discovered an unexpected kinship with various religious groups who chose not to comply with certain measures. Their reasoning resonated with her, prompting a deeper reflection on personal freedoms and individual choices. 

She encourages readers to think independently, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and considering alternative viewpoints. In her exploration of the pandemic's impact, Gabrielle and Barry discuss the trucker's convoy—a noteworthy event marked by its peaceful nature. 

Surprising her friends and peers, she expresses support for the convoy and its underlying message. Gabrielle encourages the need for ongoing dialogue about both the successes and failures of our pandemic response, advocating for a comprehensive approach to future crises. Encouraging individuals to seek pre-COVID pandemic guidance documents, she calls for a more informed and proactive approach. 

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Gabrielle’s Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Book Link below:

Website: https://gabriellebauer.com/ 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabriellebauer 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabrielleJBauer?s=20 

Blindsight is 2020: https://a.co/d/h7Q3TXC 

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In this captivating two-part interview, we dive into the life of Jason Kurz, a skilled electrician with exceptional expertise in nuclear-generating power. Renowned for his outstanding contributions, Jason's career took an unexpected turn when government mandates led to the loss of his job. 

Threats from his workplace loomed over him, promising to sabotage his professional future. In order to return to his in-person duties, he was presented with a dilemma: either receive the mandated vaccinations or endure bi-weekly testing. 

Due to the government's handling of the vaccine mandates, Jason defends the principle of freedom of choice for our bodies. As he navigates the financial impact on his family, Jason finds himself reverting back to the construction work he had pursued years ago.

Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of a man determined to uphold his beliefs in the face of adversity.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Mark Mercer is a dedicated member of the Society of Academic Freedom and Scholarship (SAFS), an organization with a 31-year history of advocating for academic freedom. Having served as SAFS president for 8 years, Mark's commitment to the organization is unwavering, and he envisions being a part of it for the rest of his life. With around 350 members, primarily academics in Canada, SAFS actively defends academic freedom and standards by writing letters to universities when they perceive violations or threats. Their documentation is made available online to foster transparency and open dialogue.

Mark holds a critical view of the current state of society, recognizing that professors and students are often afraid to express their opinions due to potential backlash. He believes there are points of friction within universities, where rules are increasingly influenced by emotions rather than facts. Despite this, he emphasizes the importance of respecting moral autonomy and engaging in conversations, even when beliefs differ.

Universities should prioritize creating spaces where individuals can freely express their beliefs and receive constructive critique. Mark sees this as a matter of respect. He firmly believes that a person's views, theories, or ideas should not hinder their eligibility for administrative roles. Instead, qualifications and abilities should determine suitability.

Acknowledging the value of criticism, Mark advocates for upholding high academic standards to ensure students receive the best education possible. 

To improve, Mark stresses the need to articulate what an academic university truly represents. He believes in individuals' ability and desire to think for themselves, rather than being bound by group affiliations. His vision involves creating a culture of disputation, where ideas are shared, stored, and learned from, rather than fostering confrontations and competition between students. This approach aims to prevent ideas from being isolated and looked down upon, fostering inclusivity and intellectual growth.

Join us and listen to what Mark has to share.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Check out Mark's Website, His LinkedIn, and the SAFS website below!

Mark's Website: https://professormarkmercer.ca/ 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mark-mercer-84a81813 

SAFS Website: https://safs.ca/   

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This is part two of a two-part interview with Michael Alexander, a highly respected Constitutional Lawyer who is at the forefront of the fight for freedom of expression.

In recent developments, the government's enforcement of strict vaccine regulations has stirred controversy and raised concerns over individual freedoms. Doctors find themselves restrained from issuing medical exemptions, despite the vaccine being presented as a recommendation rather than a mandatory requirement. 

Colleges, treating these guidelines as binding, further amplify the issue by imposing penalties on non-compliant physicians. Dr. Trozzi, is facing prosecution that questions his freedom of expression and his decision to diverge from the given recommendation. The very essence of personal autonomy is under scrutiny, as each person should possess the ultimate authority to decide what is best for their own body.

Furthermore, this enforcement is not isolated to a single province but has spread throughout the entire medical community, showcasing a nationwide pattern of restricting individual choices. By regulating medical care, the government has compromised one of the most fundamental freedoms that individuals hold dear. The right to make informed decisions regarding one's health and bodily autonomy should be respected, and the current situation represents a violation of these core principles.

Join us and listen to what Michael has to share.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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This is part one of a two-part interview with Gabrielle Bauer, a health and medical writer based in Toronto. 

Gabrielle challenges the notion that science should dictate our responses to its findings. In her thought-provoking book, "Blindsight is 2020," she emphasizes that science is descriptive rather than prescriptive, informing us about what is, but not how we should react. 

Our responses, she states, are deeply intertwined with our values. With almost three decades of experience writing for doctors and the general public, Gabrielle embarked on a courageous journey during the pandemic, discussing and questioning the effectiveness of lockdowns and government mandates.

As fear gripped the world and rationality seemed to fade away, young people and those less fortunate bore the brunt of the pandemic's impact. Through conversations with her family, and later with friends and colleagues, Gabrielle realized the importance of speaking up and changing the conversation. How do we evolve if we don't engage in dialogue? 

However, her dissenting views sparked significant online backlash, forcing her to toughen her skin quickly. Yet, it became increasingly important to let people know that they were not alone in their skepticism of various government mandates.

Gabrielle firmly believes that respecting and valuing everyone's opinions, regardless of their background, is vital. She highlights the wisdom of epidemiologist Mark Woolhouse, who advised the Scottish government and authored "The Year the World Went Mad." Woolhouse, who emerged as a lockdown skeptic, argued that the world was too reliant on epidemiologists, emphasizing the need for balance. 

In a world where many want to forget the challenges of the past few years, Gabrielle insists on continuing the conversation. There is much to learn about ourselves, our values, and our society, ensuring we do not repeat the same mistakes.

Join us and listen to what Gabrielle has to share.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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This is part one of a two-part interview with Michael Alexander, a highly respected Constitutional Lawyer who is at the forefront of the fight for freedom of expression.

With a roster of physician clients, Michael tirelessly advocates for their rights and challenges the status quo. Currently, he is working on a case alongside Dr. Trozzi, an ER Physician, University Instructor, and Assistant Professor. Dr. Trozzi made a startling revelation during his time as an ER head in Toronto during the COVID era— he pronounced the ER empty, in contrast to the prevailing public narrative.

Michael's unwavering commitment to freedom of expression goes beyond representing minority viewpoints; he recognizes that truth often resides in dissenting opinions. Embracing the discomfort that comes from encountering different thoughts, he encourages us to accept and engage with perspectives that challenge our own. As a believer in finding common ground, Michael discusses the political dynamics behind the presentation of scientific information to the public.

He sheds light on the dangers of imposing rules that suppress voices under governmental jurisdiction, stressing the need to hold the government accountable for its actions. Barry and Michael discuss how there is a compromising truth for the sake of appeasing feelings. With an unwavering belief that science is an ever-evolving process, he reminds us to remain vigilant in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Michael Alexander stands as a steadfast advocate for freedom of expression, fighting to create a society that values truth, respects diverse perspectives, and encourages open dialogue.

Join us and listen to what Michael has to share.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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This is part one of a two-part interview with author, Curtis McManus. Curtis discusses his book, Clio’s Bastards - which focuses on examining the discipline of history in Canadian universities as the point of entry for a much larger exploration of the intellectual, spiritual, and moral crisis confronting Western civilization today.

In this thought-provoking analysis, Curtis delves into the significance of history in our contemporary world. He challenges the notion that our cultural heritage has lost relevance in today's society. Drawing from James Hunter's concept of a cultural war, Curtis exposes how history has become a tool for political and ideological manipulation aimed at reshaping our culture.

By critiquing the current practice of historiography, he advocates for a traditionalist approach to studying history, emphasizing its value as an alternative perspective for university students. Curtis prompts us to reflect on what the next 10 years can teach us, urging a forward-looking mindset that learns from past failures. He laments the erosion of wisdom and knowledge transmission in education and states that the turmoil we witness in the world is a direct consequence of the education system's impact.

Join us and listen to what Curtis has to share.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

This is part one of a two part interview with lawyer, Lisa Bildy, about the recent Law Society of Ontario board elections. The board members are known as "benchers". There are some 53 benchers at the LSO.  8 are known as the "Lay Benchers"; 20 elected from Toronto lawyers; 20 elected among lawyers outside of Toronto; and 5 elected from paralegals across Ontario. 

In 2019, the STOP SOP (http://stopsop.ca/) slate of benchers, whose campaign was headed up by Lisa, won 22 of the bencher seats - they were committed to ensuring that the law society stuck to its core mandate of ensuring legal professionals were competent rather than governing on "woke" ideology.  It caused an upset - even they were not the majority they were instrumental in getting rid of the LSO's Statement of Principles requirement. 

This time, in 2023, under the banner of  FULL STOP (https://fullstoplso.ca/)  candidates lost to The Good Governance Coalition (https://www.goodgovernancecoalition.ca/) 45 seats to 0!

However, since the election two of the 45 were given government appointments and one was elected as "Treasurer" of the Law Society - which opened three seats.  That meant that 3 of the FULL STOP slate are now benchers as they had the next highest votes in the bencher election.

Barry spoke with Lisa on this and the campaign she ran and what comes next.

Join us and listen in to what Lisa has to share.

This the part one of a two-part interview.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Daniel Freiheit joins Barry for another interview on the current situation of freedom in Canada.  They begin their discussion on CPSO’s decision not to allow the public in its “public” deliberations.  The public is only allowed via the internet. 

However, that means the in-person experience is lost where the public could ask questions of the individual board members after the meetings.  Is this what we expect the future to be in a free country?

Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill in 2017 was passed by the government before the COVID-19 Pandemic occurred and it is now a question of whether that Bill can be used against employers who require PCR tests of their unvaccinated employers.  Daniel Freiheit opines on whether it is a possibility to use that legislation supporting the unvaccinated. 

If you cannot get a job now, says Daniel, you have to document all of your interactions with the employers who are refusing to hire and hold them accountable.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Litigation lawyer Michael Lesage has reason to be concerned about the time it takes to get a case through the Ontario Superior Court.  His career depends on court efficiency.  Indeed, everyone’s access to justice requires a court system that is in top shape.  Our rule of law requires it.  Our democracy demands it.  So how does the Ontario Superior Court measure up to other superior courts?  You will want to hear.

If you noticed that your case, took or is taking a long time to get through the system you are not alone. 

Mr. Lesage is wanting to get to the bottom of what is happening or not happening with the Ontario courts.  Not everyone is pleased with him asking uncomfortable questions.  However, it is by asking such questions that we may be able to understand what needs to be done and then get the powers that be to do something about it. 

Join us and listen in to Mr. Lesage’s findings so far.

This is part two of a two-part interview.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Litigation lawyer Michael Lesage has reason to be concerned about the time it takes to get a case through the Ontario Superior Court.  His career depends on court efficiency.  Indeed, everyone’s access to justice requires a court system that is in top shape.  Our rule of law requires it.  Our democracy demands it.  So how does the Ontario Superior Court measure up to other superior courts?  You will want to hear.

If you noticed that your case, took or is taking a long time to get through the system you are not alone.  Mr. Lesage is wanting to get to the bottom of what is happening or not happening with the Ontario courts.  Not everyone is pleased with him asking uncomfortable questions.  However, it is by asking such questions that we may be able to understand what needs to be done and then get the powers that be to do something about it. 

Join us and listen in to Mr. Lesage’s findings so far.

This is part one of a two-part interview.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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On May 25, 2023, Greg Hill and his Free To Fly team held a Meet & Greet in Mississauga, Ontario.  People travelled from as far as British Columbia in Canada and from Texas in the USA.  Some 125 + individuals felt it necessary to come and meet others who were concern about the governments restrictions on mobility during the pandemic. 

Barry had a chance to ask Greg why he thought these kinds of meetings are important.

You may follow the work of Free To Fly at:  https://freetofly.ca

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Dr. Scott Ventureyra speaks with Barry on the concept of truth.  What is it?  Why is truth important today?  This is the third part of a three part interview.

Scott Ventureyra completed his Ph.D. in philosophical theology at Carleton University/Dominican University College in Ottawa.

His website is: www.scottventureyra.com.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Now That Bill C-11 Is Law What's Next? - Interview With Peter Menzies

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Peter Menzies spent three decades as a working journalist and newspaper executive, most notably with the Calgary Herald where he served as its editorial page editor, editor in chief and, finally, publisher. He won one National Newspaper Award for the detailed objectivity of a series outlining the contents of the Charlottetown Accord and another from the Association of Opinion Page Editors for a similarly objective project. He spent close to 10 years as a member of the Canadian Radio-television Commission, (CRTC), initially in a part-time capacity followed by four years as regional commissioner for Alberta and the Northwest Territories and then four more as Vice Chair of Telecommunications.

Given his wide experience as a journalist, as a Vice Chair of CRTC, and his writings against Bill C-11 which is legislation that makes the CRTC the Canadian regulator of the internet, you will want to hear what Mr. Menzies has to share.  There is much for Canadians to be concerned about with government further regulating our speech. 

You may follow Mr. Menzie’s work as a Senior Fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute here:  https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/cm-expert/peter-menzies/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pagmenzies

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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This is part two of a three-part conversation Barry had with Dr. Ventureyra.

Scott Ventureyra completed his Ph.D. in philosophical theology at Carleton University/Dominican University College in Ottawa. He has published in academic journals such as Science et Esprit, The American Journal of Biblical Theology, and has also written for magazines such as Crisis Magazine and Convivium and newspapers such as The National Post, City Light News, The Ottawa Citizen and The Times Colonist. He is the author/editor of COVID-19: A Dystopian Delusion: Examining the Machinations of Governments, Health Organizations, the Globalist Elites, Big Pharma, Big Tech, and the Legacy Media. His website is: www.scottventureyra.com.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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We are living in an age of deception that is unparalleled in human history. Unscrupulous villains now have masterful tools at their disposal to challenge even the very elect as to what the reality of things are. The science of voice cloning technology has now reached the point where scientists are telling us we can no longer trust our ears. The inflection as well as the emotion of one’s voice is impeccably mimicked.

That is not all. Video technology is also reaching the point of being able to present individuals doing something they have not done. In other words, Artificial Intelligence will appear so very real that it will dupe the unexpected.

Geoffrey Hinton, dubbed the Godfather of Artificial Intelligence before quitting Google to speak more freely about the dangers of AI. Hinton’s main warnings are that artificial intelligence is creating fake video and audio that is near-indistinguishable from reality. He also notes that chatbots are acquiring knowledge far faster than any individual person, which could soon yield a “nightmare scenario” in which machines are capable of writing their own computer code. Hinton says we soon may not “be able to know what is true anymore.”

What is truth? It is the question of our age. The pursuit of truth is now the subject of government regulation with the passage of Bill C-11. A political philosopher once quipped, “"Sovereign is he who decides on the exception." He is ultimate power. In other words, it is the one with the power who decides what is true.

Barry's presentation is a call for citizens to be on guard to protect free speech in an age where changes are afoot to reduce it further.

This address was given on May 6, 2023 at https://www.canadianawakening.ca/

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Barry had a chance to talk with Albertos Polizogopoulos about his relatively new law firm The Acacia Group(https://acaciagroup.ca/).  The Acacia Group offers a wide variety of services to its boutique clientele of churches, charities, non-profit, and religious institutions while providing a full range of legal services to the wider public.   Our guests share what motivated them to be engaged in this area of legal practice. 

Keep in mind this was recorded at a conference in Ottawa – so there is some background interference.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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What happens when you start a conversation to talk about objective truth but end up digging deep into the issue of transhumanism?  Find out as you listen to Barry’s latest guest Scott Ventureyra.  It is a fascinating discussionas the conversation goes into the origins of transhumanism.  This is part one of a three-part conversation Barry had with Dr. Ventureyra.

Scott Ventureyra completed his Ph.D. in philosophical theology at Carleton University/Dominican University College in Ottawa. He has published in academic journals such as Science et Esprit, The American Journal of Biblical Theology, and has also written for magazines such as Crisis Magazine and Convivium and newspapers such as The National Post, City Light News, The Ottawa Citizen and The Times Colonist. He is the author/editor of COVID-19: A Dystopian Delusion: Examining the Machinations of Governments, Health Organizations, the Globalist Elites, Big Pharma, Big Tech, and the Legacy Media.

His website is: www.scottventureyra.com.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Author and speaker Donald Lee continues his conversation with Barry about the movements that are afoot in our current environment that is causing a lot of confusion. 

What is truth?  Should we not be on a quest for truth in our age?  Why are there only a few who are willing to stand out from the crowd? 

These are just a few of the questions that Donald Lee talks about with Barry.

Donald’s book What the Hell Is Going On?: The Web of Fraud That Is Enslaving Everyone and How We Can Escape to Freedom (https://www.amazon.ca/What-Hell-Going-Enslaving-Everyone/dp/1990893007/) has become increasingly popular.  After hearing this two part interview of Donald you will know why. 

See Donald’s website at:  https://www.cominghomespirit.com/

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Author and speaker Donald Lee speaks with Barry about the movements that are afoot in our current environment that is causing a lot of confusion.  Donald has taken the time to step back and investigate the following questions:

Why does nothing make sense?

- How can there be a "climate emergency" when the climate has not changed noticeably during my lifetime?

- How can we fight a "War on Drugs" for fifty years and the drug problem gets worse?

- How can we fight a "War on Terror" for two decades yet there's more terror than ever?

- How could there be a worldwide "pandemic" when there were no excess deaths anywhere in 2020?

- Why is the answer to every problem more power and control for governments yet they never solve the problems?

- Why is it that the real power doesn't seem to be in elected governments at all? Every government in the world seems to be taking its marching orders from the World Economic Forum?

What the Hell Is Going On?

Donald’s book What the Hell Is Going On?: The Web of Fraud That Is Enslaving Everyone and How We Can Escape to Freedom (https://www.amazon.ca/What-Hell-Going-Enslaving-Everyone/dp/1990893007/) has become increasingly popular.  After hearing this two part interview of Donald you will know why. 

See Donald’s website at: https://www.cominghomespirit.com/

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Shawn Whatley, MD, is the past President of the Ontario Medical Association and a physician leader with experience in emergency medicine and primary care.  You may find more of his work and a great podcast at:  https://shawnwhatley.com/

Dr. Whatley spoke with Barry about why there needs to be a discussion of morality in health care. 

Dr. Whatley’s recent book is When Politics Comes Before Patients: Why and How Canadian Medicare is Failing, https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0888903111/ref=as_sl_pc_as_ss_li_til?tag=shawnwhatleym-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=c719af966f5ebdda609811588b05e9d6&creativeASIN=0888903111) ha

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Constitutional lawyer Samuel Bachand chats with Barry some of his recent constitutional cases he is working on.

Mr. Bachand is the Justice Centre For Constitutional Freedom’s Director of French Canada. 

Samuel is a frequent speaker on current issues affecting fundamental freedoms: proposed legislation, court cases, government programmes and decisions. He is passionate about expressive and political freedoms, and believes that modern forms of censorship are clear signs of the – reversible – decline of Western civilization.

Samuel spent the first years of his career at Woods LLP, the foremost litigation boutique in Montreal and, prior to joining CJLC, worked at Prévost Fortin D'Aoust with one of Canada's leading constitutional litigators. He has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2011 and the Law Society of Ontario since 2012. He is a law graduate from Osgoode Hall Law School and from Université de Montréal where he taught from 2012 to 2020 as a law lecturer.

Nota bene : the Justice Centre operates in French under the name CJLC – Centre juridique pour les libertés constitutionnelles (see the French-language webpage at www.cjlc.ca). The CJLC is not a separate entity from the Justice Centre.  

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Shawn Whatley, MD, is the past President of the Ontario Medical Association and a physician leader with experience in emergency medicine and primary care.  You may find more of his work and a great podcast at:  https://shawnwhatley.com/

Dr. Whatley spoke with Barry about why the right must talk about the morality of gender-affirming care, assisted suicide.  Why are we so reluctant to speak about morality in these very serious issues? 

Dr. Whatley’s recent book, When Politics Comes Before Patients: Why and How Canadian Medicare is Failing, has this to say,

“Successive governments, regardless of political stripe, know all too well that Canada's system of health care is one of the defining characteristics of "being a Canadian", and any changes deemed harmful will have them thrown out of power. Thus, decades of cuts around the margins, centralized control, federal/provincial infighting, and government oversight has left doctors and hospitals with little input on how your health dollars are allocated and spent. Citizens are being left to languish in pain for months, sometimes years, because the current cost and delivery system is programmed for the benefit of governments staying in power. That was not what was intended. Medicare should be about delivering high-quality and timely healthcare value for Canadians.”

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Charles Ficner, a retired federal government employee, has learned the lessons of history and what made Canada one of the most successful countries in the Western World. This is Part Two of his interview with Barry.

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Todd Anderson, Principal of Augustine College shares with Barry the mission and focus of the College to train young people how to think logically in deciphering truth in our age of chaos.  Young people need to be grounded in understanding the principles that our society is based upon.

“From the Greeks in the West, from the early stages, in our literature courses all the way up to the modern period, whether it is in philosophy, science, or the history of art or music – we cover all these pieces from a Christian perspective.  The goal is not to say that this tradition doesn’t have its problems or its concerns but it is to say these are the best things we have produced as a society and they are fundamentally Christian, or have a Christian ethos in them….  We are thinking through what has framed and shaped society,” and how can students use that as they launch themselves into their careers.

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Charles Ficner, a retired federal government employee, has learned the lessons of history and what made Canada one of the most successful countries in the Western World.  In a 2017 writing (https://ontariolandowners.ca/persons-property-charles-ficner/) he observes,

“The Core Principle that persons matter above everything else is at the root of Western Civilization. It has been confirmed, reconfirmed and firmly established as the foundation of our system of government and law. Whenever it was set aside it became impossible for persons to live together in a civil and civilized way.”

“Government’s primary job is not to command, but to protect each and every citizen,” Mr. Ficner points out, “It must ensure that no person, no corporation, no institution and no official undermines the inalienable rights of any person. When those who hold public offices use the government’s power in any way that harms any citizen’s rights, their acts and commands have no legitimacy at all.”

Charles shares with Barry the extraordinary currents of thought in the history of the West that remains relevant to us today.

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Andre Schutten, of ARPA Canada https://arpacanada.ca/ shares with Barry why we ought to be concerned about the government’s Bill C-11 that is now making its way through the House of Commons as the government has forced closure on debate.

Canadians must be aware of what is coming to the regulation of the internet. Do we really want the government to tell us what "narrative” is appropriate?

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As if we didn't already know but now we have evidence of Canadian media gone "Woke"! David Rozado and Aaron Wudrick recently conducted a study on Canadian news media and obtained clear evidence of a “Northern Awokening: How social justice and woke language have infiltrated Canadian News Media.”

Barry discussed the study with Aaron Wudrick, one of the study authors, a lawyer and the Director of MacDonald -Laurier Institute's Domestic Policy Program. (https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/cm-expert/aaron-wudrick/)

You may read the study at: https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/northern-awokening-how-social-justice-and-woke-language-have-infiltrated-canadian-news-media/

And their op-ed at: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/measuring-the-canadian-news-medias-great-awokening

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This is part two of a two-part interview with law professor Bruce Pardy, who is the executive director of Rights Probe - www.rightsprobe.org.  Prof. Pardy shares with Barry the distinctions between the two slates of Bencher Candidates for the Law Society of Ontario.

The Bencher Election campaign for the Law Society of Ontario (LSO)  is now under way and it is a doozy!  The stakes could not be higher for the over 55,000 Ontario lawyers.

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A group of Canadian young people have decided to speak out about “woke culture.” What motivates them? Are they hateful young people or are they just exercising their freedom of speech?

Barry sat down with Nick Alexander and Monty Walker who are part of Save Canada and asked why they, as young people, are so passionate about freedom of speech. In the end you will hear firsthand that these two young men know what they stand for and are encouraging other young people to take a stand for all Canadians.

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The Bencher Election campaign for the Law Society of Ontario (LSO)  is now under way and it is a doozy!  The stakes could not be higher for the over 55,000 Ontario lawyers.

In 2019 an uprising occurred among the Ontario lawyers that saw a slate of 22 benchers elected with the aim of stoping the LSO's policy of imposing a "Statement of Principles" upon the legal profession.  This policy would have required lawyers to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in their practice. 

Opposition quickly arose because of its attack on free speech. 

Not only were lawyers expected to carryout the policy, but they had to believe in it.

One lawyer noted, "While the LSO has the mandate to regulate lawyers, it has no mandate to regulate t Lawyers play an essential role in our society; that role, however, does not include becoming state agents that parrot state-sponsored speech."

22 of the STOPSOP were elected as benchers in 2019 and eventually the SOP was stopped as promised.

The benchers are up for election again in 2023 and this time there are two opposing camps - one called the "FULLSTOP" slate of 35 lawyers seeking to become "Benchers"; the other group is called the "Good Governance Coalition" slate of 45 lawyers.

The choice could not be starker.  The FullStop group wants to "Stop Bloat" - reducing the LSO budget, annual fees, and bureaucratic interference in the practice of law; "Stop Creep" - restore the LSO to its core mandate of regulating competence and integrity; "Stop Woke" - Remove social engineering, group identity politics, and "woke" ideological agendas from the LSO.

The Good Governance Coalition - wants to "return competent, representative leadership" to the LSO.  In other words, it wants to get back to the agenda of the pre-2019 program that caused the FullStop group to come into existence.

Barry chats with law professor Bruce Pardy, who is the executive director of Rights Probe - www.rightsprobe.org.  Prof. Pardy shares with Barry concerns he raised in a recent article stating - "It threatens not just lawyers but professionals of all kinds, as well as every Canadian who might someday need their services: embrace our politics or risk losing your licence." 

This is Part One of a Two Part interview.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Radical Purge! – Interview With Don Hutchinson Part Two

Radical Purge! – Interview With Don Hutchinson Part Two

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Dr. Don Hutchinson, Principal at Ansero Services, shares with Barry the federal government’s continued discrimination against Christian charities who do not share the government’s ideological commitments. The governments “Community Services Recovery Fund” is only open to those groups that are willing to agree with government’s views on such matters as abortion. Yet again the Trudeau government is demanding ideological conformity.

The second part of this interview considers the purge that has gone on in the Liberal Party in recent years. Many talented, experienced politicians have been purged from the Liberal Party to make room for a more radical element that is upending basic understandings of how government ought to be run.

Dr. Hutchinson shares with Barry the latest in the ongoing government campaign against pro-life Christian charities. This is part two of a two-part interview.

Dr. Hutchinson blogs at: http://www.donhutchinson.ca/

His blog entry on this matter is found here: http://www.donhutchinson.ca/canada-community-services-recovery-fund%e2%80%95another-discriminatory-attestation-requirement/

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Dr. Don Hutchinson, Principal at Ansero Services, shares with Barry the federal government’s continued discrimination against Christian charities who do not share the government’s ideological commitments. The governments “Community Services Recovery Fund” is only open to those groups that are willing to agree with government’s views on such matters as abortion.

Yet again the Trudeau government is demanding ideological conformity. The Canada Summer Jobs issue in 2018 got a lot of attention for the same government interference in freedom of religion and conscience. The government has not changed. And, with this new program the government’s heavy hand is seen yet again.

Dr. Hutchinson shares with Barry the latest in the ongoing government campaign against pro-life Christian charities. This is part one of a two-part interview.

Dr. Hutchinson blogs at: http://www.donhutchinson.ca/

His blog entry on this matter is found here: http://www.donhutchinson.ca/canada-community-services-recovery-fund%e2%80%95another-discriminatory-attestation-requirement/

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Law Professor Bruce Pardy, the executive director of Rights Probe (https://www.rightsprobe.org/), continues his interview with Barry sharing his thoughts on the Rouleau Report. This is part two of a two part interview.

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Law Professor Bruce Pardy, the executive director of Rights Probe (https://www.rightsprobe.org/), shares with Barry his thoughts on the Rouleau Report. This is part one of a two part interview.

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Tom Marazzo shares with Barry W. Bussey his thoughts on The Rouleau Report that exonerated Prime Minister Trudeau in invoking the Emergencies Act. Marazzo was one of the organizers in the Trucker Freedom Convoy.

This is part one of an extend conversation with Tom.

You can find more about Tom and his new book at: https://tommarazzo.ca/

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Tom Marazzo shares with Barry W. Bussey his thoughts on The Rouleau Report that exonerated Prime Minister Trudeau in invoking the Emergencies Act. Marazzo was one of the organizers in the Trucker Freedom Convoy.

This is part one of an extend conversation with Tom.

You can find more about Tom and his new book at: https://tommarazzo.ca/

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Barry W. Bussey shares thoughts on the release of the Rouleau Report from the Public Order Emergency Commission that was set up to review the circumstances of the federal government's invocation of the Emergencies Act.

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"A Canadian culture that no longer values freedom as much as we value conformity,” says author James Forbes who was interviewed by Barry W. Bussey on Freedom Feature.

“At least the way that a lot of people were talking, and the way governments were talking.  It was, “you need to conform to these measures, or you are a bad person.”

Today we do not seem to have [freedom] front of mind.  We see the consequences of what that can be.  Wee have a state that says, “You have to conform.”

“It’s not to a religious doctrine these days but it is to a secular set of beliefs and practices,” says Forbes, “And in order to avoid being persecuted by the state or by your neighbours you have to make sure you’re performing all of these practices and adhering to all of these orthodox sort of beliefs as determined by whatever the issue of the day may be.”

Forbes observes that “You have to have a culture that values freedom in order to keep your freedoms.  I think we can see that with the Covid Pandemic of the past two years.  Maybe we are not a culture anymore, or at least we are losing some of that culture that values freedom.  We are entering unchartered waters. We don’t exactly know what this is going to look like as Canada becomes post Christian.  And, so, what does this mean for liberty?  What does this mean for the values that we stood for all this time?”

Great questions.  Great conversation.

See James book, Protestant Liberty: Religion and the Making of Canadian Liberalism, 1828–1878

“James Forbes argues that the origins of Canadian liberalism were firmly rooted in the British tradition of Protestantism and were based on the premise of guarding against the advance of supposedly illiberal faiths, especially Catholicism. After the union of Upper Canada with predominantly French-Catholic Lower Canada in 1840, this Protestant ideal of liberty came into conflict with a more neutral alternative that sought to strip liberalism of its religious associations in order to appeal to Catholic voters and allies. In a decisive break from their Protestant heritage, these liberals redefined their ideology in secular-materialist terms by emphasizing free trade and private property over faith and culture. In tracing how the Confederation generation competed to establish a unifying vision for the nation, Protestant Liberty reveals religion and religious differences at the centre of this story.”

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John Carpay the President of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms talks about key cases that JCCF is involved with protecting Canadians against the overreach of government. John presents common sense insights of evaluating our current situation.

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Jeffrey Tucker joins Barry Bussey again to discuss the latest state of affairs in the pandemic aftermath. Despite a year having passed since the Trucker Freedom Convoy 2022 in Ottawa residual effects of the pandemic remain as unvaccinated Canadians are still not permitted to travel to the United States. Tucker notes that it is particularly embarrassing that the restriction remains. He points out that it is a power play with a lot of vested industrial interests who, in concert with the administrative state, are keeping the emergency declaration operative.

Tucker also shared the importance for citizens not to be lulled to sleep just because the administrative state has relaxed its pandemic lockdowns. At any moment the vested interests can reimpose measures that take away freedom. Every citizen has a responsibility to be on guard and ensure that governments are held accountable for their actions.

The conversation ends on a hope note for citizens to take courage and not give up but to use the window of opportunity we currently have to stand our ground for freedom against the big tech, pharma, and bureaucrats who seek to impose their will on citizens.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

The War On Truth - Interview With Lawyer Michael Alexander and Drs. Mark Trozzi, Charles Hoffe, Crystal Luchkiw, Patrick Phillips

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The physicians who were not convinced of the efficacy of the COVID 19 vaccine and spoke out about it they are shunned by their medical regulatory bodies. So much so that they have had their medical licenses suspended and are facing expulsion from the practice of medicine. On this program Michael Alexander explains what is at stake for his physician clients. His clients join us for a very lively discussion about their respective state of affairs and what it means for Canadian society.

Donate to the legal bills of these doctors by going to:

Take Action Canada, where they have a window on the homepage leading to their donation page: http://takeactioncanada.ca

Dr. Mark Trozzi's daily newsletter and information repository: https://drtrozzi.org

The site for their new speaking tour fighting to restore truth in medicine: https://donoharmtour.com

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Right To Stand Against Evil One Man's Journey In Losing His Job For His Faith - Interview With Marko Kolic

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Marko Kolic shares his struggle with losing his employment working for the Federal Government. Marko is a very religious man, and he shares how his faith got him through. He holds no punches in saying that the demonization of the unvaccinated by government was itself evil. He encourages everyone of faith to hang in there.

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David Ripley pastors the Grace Christian Fellowship (https://www.crestongracefellowship.org/) in Creston, British Columbia, Canada. During the COVID-19 Pandemic he kept his church open as a place of prayer and reflection. He called the Mayor, the fire chief and the RCMP and all agreed that his understanding of the Provincial Health Order allowed him to open his church for this limited purpose.

However, later he was fined $2,300 for violating the Provincial Health Order.

After 12 preliminary court appearances by his JCCF lawyers (www.jccf.ca) the Crown directed a stay of proceedings on the charges in late 2022.

Pastor Ripley shares with Barry his experience and the exciting news that attendance has increased as a result.

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Paige Thombs is a PhD student in the Faculty of Law at the University of Victoria.  She is also an Osgoode Hall Visiting Scholar in Toronto. Paige is Barry’s guest on this installment of Freedom Feature. Her research looks at how religious identity shapes legal practice.

Paige describes herself as “very left-leaning and openly gay” and one who “very much believes in religious freedom”. She does not see her “rights as a gay person being in conflict with” a Christian’s rights. She asks, “is there no space where these two sets of rights can exist in tandem?”

She is interested in the intersection of religion and law over the last 50 years. As a non-lawyer she sees that the legal profession, especially in the last ten years, has been keen to appreciate lawyers’ personal characteristics such as gender, and sexual orientation but ignores what a lawyers’ faith perspective may bring to the law.

Paige sees a shift in Charter rights and human rights law that concerns her. She observes that rights are supposed to run side by side with no right getting more attention or privilege than another. “It just doesn’t seem to exist that way.” While she admits that her rights as a woman and as a gay person has improved her life she is bothered about where it is leading. “I have become increasingly uncomfortable by the idea that my rights are now at the top of the heap over and above the rights of many others. I don’t want my rights to overshadow somebody else’s rights – like a person who might be conservative and religious. There has to be a way for these two sets of values to coexist.”

Despite their different views on religion Paige and Barry have a very engaging and enlightening conversation about the state of openness in Canadian society and in universities for conservative thought. Returning to university after being out for 23 years and Paige expected university to be even more open to new ideas and discussion. Unfortunately, she found it to be opposite. Indeed, “there is not a lot of space for what would be considered unpopular opinions. By unpopular opinions I mean those considered conservative in nature. There is no space for that.”

How to live together despite our differences is a theme of this very interesting discussion.

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Jojo Ruba joins Barry in a conversation about the state of religious freedom in Canada. Jojo gives several examples of people who are facing persecution for their faith in Canada. These people will be sharing their stories adversity at the Religious Freedom Summit that will be held in Ottawa, February 4, 2023. Information on this event is found at https://www.freedomsummit.ca/

Canadians are being kicked out of their rental facilities, suspended from school or even forced to leave their jobs because they hold unpopular opinions. How is that possible in Canada in 2023?

You will be surprised in what Jojo shares with Barry.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Nathan's Reading List

The Pure Society: From Darwin to Hitler by Andre Pichot (History, 2009) 

Charles Darwin: Victorian Mythmaker by A.N. Wilson (Historical Biography, 2017) 

Imperial Hygiene: A Critical History of Colonialism, Nationalism and Public Health by Alison Bashford (History/Geopolitics, 2003) 

Biofascism: The Tech-Pharma Complex and the End of Democracy by T.J. Coles (Political Theory, 2022) 

The Palliative Society by Byung-Chul Han (Cultural Theory, 2021) 

"Schwab Family Values" by Johnny Vedmore (Investigative Reporting, https://johnnyvedmore.com/2021/02/20/featured-content-2/)  

"Cause Unknown": The Epidemic of Sudden Deaths in 2021 & 2022 by Ed Dowd (Report, 2022) 

A State of Fear: How the UK Government Weaponised Fear During the Covid-19 Pandemic by Laura Dodsworth (Psychology/Politics, 2021) 

TransEvolution: The Coming Age of Human Deconstruction by Daniel Estulin (Human Engineering/Geopolitics, 2014) 

Tavistock Institute: Social Engineering the Masses by Daniel Estulin (Social Engineering/Psychological Warfare/Geopolitics, 2015) 

"Exploring Biodigital Convergence" (Government of Canada, 2021) 

MindWar by Lt. Colonel, Psychological Operations (US Army) (Psychological Warfare, 2013/2016)

The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind by Gustave Le Bon (Social Psychology, 1895) 

The Psychology of Totalitarianism by Mattias Desmet (Psychology, 2021) 

The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (2021) 

"Syllogistic Reasoning Demystifies Evidence of COVID-19 Vaccine Constituents" by Broudy & Kyrie (https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e99f/7cdb38af66c4271146311c4102d563164038.pdf, 2021)

"Critique of the Necropolitical Economy of the Internet of Things: Brains, Biohacking, and Social Apartheid" by Nathan M. Wiley (https://aircconline.com/ijcses/V13N3/13322ijcses01.pdf, 2022) 

When the House Burns Down by Giorgio Agamben (Philosophy/Literature, 2021) 

The Christian Gospel for Americans: A Systematic Theory by David Ray Griffin (Theology, 2019) 

The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity by Philip Jenkins (Religion, 2011)

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Professor Iain T. Benson, of the University of Notre Dame Australia (Sydney) is of the view that the way to protect freedom is to go local and resist globalism. Our understanding of what is right and wrong does not come from the state but from local communities.

People, in Western countries, are often weak when it comes to pushing back against the government. Unfortunately, democratic governments are moving toward a globalist mindset that takes advantage of the "business as usual" model that turns a blind eye to the suffering others have to endure in maintaining the profits for the elites. Little concern is given for how countries like China are taking advantage of the poor to supply goods to the West.

Klaus Schwab and his WEF program supports the global capitalism that is destroying the local communities. The "Great Reset" is a plan that attacks (a) the self-determination of people's life, liberty and direction; and, (b) does not speak out against the colonization of the poorer countries.

Further, Dr. Benson argues, the West has become corrupt in failing to call these abuses for what they are. So, the question is, "Are we going to be governed locally or from the top down by the 'smug internationalists'?"

Mr. Schwab, and his associates, are technicians, Benson says.  They do not have objective moral positions but are moral relativists that support the 'business as usual' paradigm. Mr. Schwab's proteges, Prime Minister Trudeau, President Macron, Prime Minister Ardern, and others, are untrained in the philosophical understandings that have built our society. Their global moral relativism is inconsistent with the richest strands of international law and natural law.

We are left with courts that are convinced by legal positive thought that whatever the government issues is law with no regard to the larger picture of our legal history and basic human rights. The courts have been 'singing from the same song sheet' by refusing to give credence to the fundamental freedoms that have been the foundation of our society. Judges had the power to respond to the over reaching state enforced lockdowns which caused huge personal costs, but they refused to exercise their oversight role on government.

This failure has led to a loss of credibility in the courts, government and the professions such as medicine and law.

The way forward, according to Benson, is to re-learn the lessons of civil-disobedience and seek legal reform that does not allow government to solely determine when it can use emergency powers. The onus must be on the state to prove with verifiable evidence that the state is in jeopardy and such power is warranted. An independent body must be set up to make the determination and it cannot be only judges or politicians or medical professionals. There must be a broad range of people with different expertise that would be tasked with the job.

Our current systems failed us and we need new systems.

The population must be awakened to the "free-born mind" again. The managerial state has failed us. We cannot afford to keep giving government deference especially when even more challenging times are upon us as government plans to issue digital currency and continue its electronic surveillance over the population.

The local must be the focus not globalism.

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Law Professor Bruce Pardy is Barry's guest along with a special appearance of Law Professor Dr. Iain T. Benson as they discuss the implications of 2022 on freedom and what we have to be concerned about in 2023. Unfortunately, Professor Benson's connection was cut off during the discussion but we kept his contribution.

Professor Pardy says that the Trucker Freedom Convoy 2022 was a heartfelt response to being under the thumb of the chattering classes who were insisted upon policies and laws that told people what to do. That is not a new thing but, on this occasion, finally ordinary people were pushed too far, and they said, “No, we are not doing this.” As Professor Pardy noted it made an impact. It was visible. It was public. Everybody saw it and a lot of people finally understood they were not alone in what they were thinking about vaccine mandates and Covid rules and the like. It was a threat to the established order because for the first time in a long time this was an articulate opposition from a group of the people to the agenda that the elites were pushing. That hasn’t happened in Canada for a long time.

We are in a new era where government ministers no longer step down for unethical behaviour. Tension between moral and obligatory approach to public governance and raw use of power. Professors Benson and Pardy engage in a conversation about the role of Prime Minister Trudeau and his ability to continue to be successful electorally. Trudeau, the man, is not the problem, but he is a symptom of the problem. The problem is we have a belief in the state. The idea that the state’s role is to make policy for the public good without anyone allowed to question its choices. If you question that it makes you look like a “cuckoo”. When we consider the problems, we currently face in our society, it is precisely because this idea was rolled out and no one was allowed to question it.

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Tom Marazzo spoke with Barry W. Bussey about the year just passed. "It was the longest year of my entire life," Tom told Barry. Tom assisted with the Trucker Freedom Convoy in Ottawa late January to the middle of February 2022. His involvement changed his life. Tom shares that the protest was not about the vaccine mandates per se but the government overreach in demanding everyone get the vaccine or else. It was the coercion.

Tom reminds us that the freedom movement is in danger of splitting which is what government wants. He expresses his desire for us not to lose patience as we go into 2023 and the one year anniversary of the Trucker Freedom Convoy.

You may follow Tom at:  https://tommarazzo.substack.com/

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Earlier this month Barry W. Bussey was interviewed by Rod Taylor, of CHP Talks, about his new book, “16 Ways That The Truckers Saved Canada.” It was an engaging discussion about Barry’s assessment of the Trucker Freedom Convoy’s impact on freedom in Canada. Barry is raising funds for the publication of this book. You may support the project at:16 Ways The Truckers Saved Canada by Barry W. Bussey — Kickstarter

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Daniel Freiheit, of Lion Advocacy (https://twitter.com/LionAdvocacy; and https://lionlaw.ca/), is Barry’s guest in this installment of Freedom Feature. They discuss the lessons that can be gleaned from 2022 in Canada’s march for freedom. The first lesson Daniel points out is that Convoy gave people hope. Incidentally, giving people hope is one of the ways that Barry writes about in his book, 16 Ways the Truckers Saved Canada (see: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/16ways/16-ways-the-truckers-saved-canada/). “To build a sustainable future in Canada how do we find the big kernel of the good in that protest…”

What drove people to Ottawa, Daniel observes, was a negative impact from the harsh restriction on people’s ability to earn a living. Of course, there were some people negatively impacted by the honking of the horns and the disruption in the city. However, because the mainstream media was against the protest it is difficult to get a full understanding of who was more impacted.

People must step up and speak out on what is happening to enable change.

We must be careful to put politicians in office who respect the law. Daniel reminds Barry there are many whose Charter rights have always been infringed and it is only when a larger group has their Charter rights infringed are we made aware of this problem. “Once these Charter issues are experienced by a broader segment of the population. It takes people out of their silos and expands their awareness in some regards. It expands their empathy.”

Daniel has no confidence in public opinion polls showing support of the government. We must question. Who is on the board of the polling company, how were the surveys conducted, and so on. We are required to get into the “nitty gritty” of the surveys to truly understand their results. In other words, we cannot accept what we are told about government support at face value.

2023 is going to be about how do we go back to trusting authority in this country.

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Frontline nurse Michelle Roberts shares her experience of being let go by the City of Toronto because she did not take the Covid-19 Vaccine. Hers is but one anecdote of countless others during the Pandemic. It is worth listening to stories like Michelle's because one may more greatly appreciate the suffering that so many faced. Given what now we know it truly causes us to wonder why? Why, when the healthcare was already so strained that qualified, dedicated people, like Michelle, were discarded. It is something that we must wrestle with going forward as we try to make sense of what happened and how we may get through it.

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The evidence given at the Public Order Emergency Commission hearings by the police makes it very clear that there was no need for more powers to deal with the Trucker Freedom Convoy. Politicians have no business telling the police what they are to do yet that is what happened in Ottawa during the Trucker Freedom Convoy.

Barry’s guest, Donald Best, a former Toronto Police investigator, holds nothing back in his strident assessment of the failure of the politicians to stay out of the way and let the police do the work that they were required to do.

Police are required to respect each citizen’s Charter rights even if they are denied by the politicians. Mr. Best fears that the politicization of the police creates a dangerous situation going forward for the law-abiding citizen.

Not all the police were on board with the use of the Emergencies Act but some gave inside information to “the other side”. If Best were in charge, he said he would have those police officers arrested! If they were opposed to the government orders, then they should have kept quiet and not showed up to work.

On the other hand, the overreach of the police during the Convoy undermined the public support of law enforcement. “It almost seemed that the police forgot about the rule of law, forgot about Peel’s principles of policing, and the law itself and they did whatever the elected officials told them to and that is a prescription for totalitarianism. It’s terrible! And, we saw that.”

The independence we give our police to do their jobs is one of the reasons why our police are not corrupt as police forces are in other countries who take orders from the politicians. We are not to allow the politicians to direct the police. “[Politicians in this country] only mouth that they don’t but they always try all the time.”

This is one of our more exciting and informative interviews. You do not want to miss this one!

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The Province of British Columbia, Canada is soon to pass a new law that will require healthcare professional boards, to have regulations for their respective healthcare professionals on mandatory vaccine requirements. This new law represents a seismic shift in how healthcare professionals will be treated by their regulators. Health professionals must submit, if required by their boards, to receive medical treatment even if it violates their conscience. Bill-36 Health Professions and Occupations Act is soon to be law.

Barry’s guests are Bob Yeager, who practices employment law in British Columbia (https://yeageremploymentlaw.com/); and, Dr. Taylor Bean, ND who is a naturopathic physician and an advocate for vaccine choice nor coercion. Both lawyer Yeager and Dr. Bean hold the view that the net effect of this legislation will mean that a sizeable number of health professionals will leave BC. If that happens it will have a devastating effect on healthcare in the province.

Health professionals, from other parts of the country, contacted First Freedoms to say they are concerned that this type of legislation may well come to their provinces. We will see. In the meantime, listen in to this conversation about the concerns that our guests have about this new legislation.

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Barry spoke to a Brampton area church.  

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Free To Fly is an organisation that seeks “To unite people through one of the most cherished freedoms of modern civilization – the freedom to travel great distances safely, quickly, and in comfort.” Greg Hill, a co-founder of Free To Fly is frustrated with the airlines in Canada who recently came out with statements against the government's vaccine travel mandates. Hill points out that it is as if they were against the mandates all along.

"Where were you?" Hill asks the airlines. "Where were you the last year or two?" He understands that the airlines were compelled by government orders but "that interim order didn't demand that these ... companies sit in silence and say nothing.... That was a choice. They could have spoken up and you can theorize why they remained silent. There is money that comes from the government to the various corporations across the country....”

He continues, “But this is the problem: They got us by the pay cheque. They got us by the government handout. We have got to learn to decouple ourselves from these things and start to live as free people. We are at a crossroads as a free society and we need to decide now who we are and how we are going to live or we are going to doom our sunset years and the formative years of out children and grandchildren to a very dark authoritarian state.”

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At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school term Barry interviewed Western University student Kendra Hancock and Western alumnus Dr. Matt Strauss about Western University's insistence to on enforcing mask and vaccine mandates. Just mere kilometres away, Fanshawe College, had no such mandates. That raises serious questions about the motivation of Western's COVID-19 policy. Ms. Hancock notes, "A lot of us have had COVID and got over COVID and we are fine. We have been living normal lives, so for that to ... not only being taken away once again ... they have made it even more extreme. ... It was surprising for students ... people are frustrated because they are not being treated as adults. They aren't being treated as people who can consent by their own institution."

Dr. Strauss tells us that "science is a process, science is perspective, science is a way that we come to the physical world to try to understand more about it. There is no "the science", nobody speaks for "the science". Science is a group activity that goes across the world and it is a shared activity that everyone who is trying to understand the truth about the physical reality. Some of the things that characterise the scientific method are, publishing your methods, accepting criticism from other interested parties, and validating your result. So, if for instance, you predict that if we do this or we do that there will be this many cases of COVID-19 in two months ... and you routinely predict incorrectly and you haven't published your method so that other interested parties can double check your work I really struggle to say that what you are doing is science at all."

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Tom Marazzo has been a constant presence at the Public Order Emergency Commission hearings held in Ottawa since they began on October 13.  He gave testimony of his experience in the Trucker Freedom Convoy as the logistics person who helped get food and supplies organised while the Convoy was in Ottawa.

Looking over the current political landscape Marazzo reminds us that we are not through the possibility of more restrictions coming our way.  "The opposition to freedom right now still has a vote," Marazzo says, "and they very much want to continue to find a way to fulfill their original agenda.  When this all started we thought that the lawyers were going to do their thing and stop this right in its tracks.  And they didn't.  When the vaccines came out we thought the doctors would step up and they didn't expect for a small few.   And it took the truckers to get the attention of the government.  What was the result?  The government came down with a bazooka."

You will not want to miss this interview as Marazzo gives his opinion of what has been revealed at the Commission hearings and why it is so very important going forward.

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Law Professor Ryan Alford gave the inaugural Diefenbaker Lecture sponsored by the First Freedoms Foundation. This year’s lecture was co-sponsored with Augustine College located at St. Peter’s St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 152 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The title of Prof. Alford’s lecture was, “A Free Society Makes Constitutional Rights Meaningful.”

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Kristen Nagle was fined $10,000 for attending a church service in April 2021. How could that be possible in Canada? During that service she was not asked to speak or participate in organizing the church service. However, she was called called up to the front of the church and stood on the stage with a group of men including Derek Sloan and Randy Hillier.

The others in the group did speak to the congregation. Kristen was introduced to the congregation by the Pastor and was complemented for her willingness to stand up for her convictions on the COVID-19 pandemic despite her personal cost.

An officer assigned to keep watch on the congregation and enforce the Re-Opening Ontario Act regulations was across the street watching the live stream of the church service and recognized Kristen and laid charges against her.

On September 22, 2022, she was convicted and sentenced a fine of $10,000 and additional costs of $2,505.00. She is appealing that decision.

Barry's conversation with Kristen covered her activism and she shared her first hand account in Ottawa when the police broke up the protest.

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Lawyer Daniel Freiheit explains how the federal government uses the legal process as a punishment against the Canadian people. It is a “tactical pattern” of bringing people to court, making them run up legal bills and then dropping the case. Charter rights are only valuable to the extent they are enforced, or their breaches are compensated for. Unfortunately, the courts have not compensated Charter breaches by government with big dollars. This means that the government still has the upper hand in violating the freedom of Canadians. The lack of value given to Charter rights means that lawyers do not want to work on those cases because it is “not worth it” to them.

Both Freiheit and Bussey emphasize the need for the courts to take the governments’ “gaming the Charter” a lot more seriously and protect the people. Further, they call all citizens to hold the governments’ accountable at the ballot box.

The discussion continued in other areas of government over reach including the ArriveCan App and digital ID.

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Derek Sloan, a lawyer, a politician and a family man is currently the leader of the Ontario Party. Barry caught up with Derek to find out what he is up to now that there are no elections to run.

Well, it is not surprising to find that Derek remains busy fighting for freedom. He is now raising money for those who are facing litigation for standing up against the government imposition on their freedoms. His website is: https://www.fundingthefight.ca/

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Dr. Emanuel Baston practised medicine in Romania and came to Canada about 20 years ago. Unable to obtain a residency in Ontario he is now laying tiles in the construction industry. His strong work ethic has meant that he and his family are successfully making their way in their new country.

However, when the federal and provincial governments in Canada implemented the harsh COVID-19 regulations he was faced with the reality that Canada took on characteristics of the communist Romania that he grew up in but it was worse. Nobody believed what the communist Romanian government said but in Canada the default is to believe what the government says.

Dr. Baston recognised that as a population Canadians were known as nice people but during the COVID 19 experience it was way different. "You wish that your neighbour would lose their home, lose their job? Where is the empathy? Where are you as a person? That's not the future I want for my kids."

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Cara Hamstra has been targeted with a human rights complaint because she does not accept the modern day narrative. She is a videographer who has been forced out of business because she declined to video a same-sex marriage on the basis that it was not in the scope of the work that she does.

This is first case of its kind in Canada according to her lawyer Albertos Polizogopoulos - of Acacia Group (https://acaciagroup.ca/) - which is an openly Christian law firm and communications firm.

Albertos says that Cara did not deny service because of sexual orientation but that it was not something that her business offered. The case involves "intersectional" rights in that Cara's right to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion but also her freedom of expression. She is being asked to produce a work of art - to articulate a particular message that she is not prepared to communicate. "If she were an artist that did paintings but she refused to do nudes because of trauma in her past, are we ok for the state and the Ontario Human Rights Code compelling her to do that - to violate her conscience, to do that which she wouldn't otherwise produce?"

Albertos argues that the forcing of Cara to produce an artistic expression goes against Cara's religious beliefs and Christian identity.

He notes that the public would not compel a Muslim writer to write a Christian theological piece, or a vegan to write promotional material for a hunter and angler. But "because Cara happens to be a committed Christian and the issue falls within the LGBTQ some people are ok with [compelling her]."

More information about this case can be found at www.defendcara.com.

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Psychotherapist, author, and speaker Ted Kuntz, M.Ed., describes how a tragic vaccine injury altered his family’s life. This personal experience caused him to research the safety and efficacy of vaccines, eventually leading to his current role as the president of Vaccine Choice Canada.
Although the group has been labelled as “anti-vaxxers” and accused of spreading misinformation, Mr. Kuntz emphasizes that they represent parents of vaccine-injured children – in other words, parents who chose to immunize their children but became vaccine risk aware because of what they experienced. The purpose of Vaccine Choice Canada is to protect and preserve the right to medical choice.

Mr. Kuntz notes that, like any medical or pharmaceutical product, vaccines carry risks and benefits; parents should have the autonomy to make informed decisions for themselves and their children.

As we look to the future, according to Mr. Kuntz, we need to restore a firm moral foundation for our country, recognizing what is sacred and can’t be violated. He quotes Brian Peckford (a former Freedom Feature guest) who observed that “democracy can only exist in a moral society.”
We can draw hope from the fact that suffering is often the gateway to wisdom!

As with other interviews, please be aware that these videos should not be taken as medical advice; please speak with your practitioner if you have questions or concerns about your personal health or the health of your children.

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What are the challenges or pressures faced by Canadian families who choose to homeschool their children? Why might parents choose to teach their children at home, and what are the benefits or concerns? Listen as Peter Stock discusses his work with the Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada. 

As fellow (former) homeschooling parents, Barry and Peter share their personal experiences, along with commentary on the legal and administrative context that can pose difficulties for families. For instance, Peter explains how the Supreme Court decision in Loyola (2015) affirmed the right to home education in Quebec. Watch the full conversation to learn how the Quebec government is still trying to limit parental choice since that decision. 

Learn more about homeschooling at homeschool.today, or visit hslda.ca for more information.

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Should Dundas Street in Toronto be renamed? What does the furor over Henry Dundas (and other figures like Edgerton Ryerson) reveal about our cultural moment?

Freedom Feature guest Patrice Dutil, Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) discusses the present mania for rejecting our past. In the example of “L’Affaire Dundas,” he unpacks the PR campaign that has falsely branded Henry Dundas as an imperialist criminal who wanted to prolong the slave trade.

The historical record gives a very different picture. Far from being endorsing slavery, Lord Dundas championed abolition consistently, strategically, and successfully. According to Prof. Dutil, Dundas’ legacy should be celebrated, not erased from history.

Taken in the context of a wider movement to rename institutions and tear down statues, the Dundas controversy shows an underlying disdain for our national roots and traditions. Although men like Dundas, Simcoe, Edgerton, and Langevin were all flawed individuals, they made significant contributions to Canada. We need to appreciate their achievements – as well as their mistakes – in order to know who we are today.

Indeed, like a doctor who needs to be aware of a patient’s history to provide the best treatment or care, we need to understand our history if we want to function as a healthy society.

Read Prof. Dutil’s article here: “L’Affaire Dundas in Toronto: Falling for a Hoax” https://www.dorchesterreview.ca/blogs/news/dundas-hoax

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In Canada today, “to be progressive is to be neutral and to not be progressive is to be wrong.”

Special guest, lawyer Bruce Pardy, returns to Freedom Feature for an in-depth discussion of progressivism.

First, Prof. Pardy highlights some of the contradictions in progressive thought. He explains that the double standards come from the concept of “repressive tolerance” which explicitly promotes causes on the left (even if they involve violence) but suppresses ideas and actions associated with the right. He concludes that “The country is polarized because one side rejects the legitimacy, indeed the existence, of the other.”

Second, he explains why we should be concerned about Chief Justice Richard Wagner’s comments on the trucker convoy. Famously, justice should be done, and be seen to be done. In a pluralistic society, courts need to be neutral before the point of ideology. However, Justice Wagner takes pride in the Supreme Court being the most progressive in world.

You can read more about this ongoing concern in an editorial coauthored by Dr. Bussey and Dr. Iain T. Benson: https://firstfreedoms.ca/time-to-reassess-the-canadian-judicial-council/

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Can a thirteenth century document “written in Latin on the hide of a sheep” mean anything to us today?

Dr. John Robson (historian, columnist, documentary filmmaker, Executive Director of Climate Discussion Nexus, and professor at Augustine College) gives a vivid account of the people and principles that produced the Magna Carta, and explains how that heritage is still relevant and worth recognising.

Our freedoms were not created in 1982 with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They are rooted in a long tradition that grew out of a religious respect for human dignity. Dr. Robson traces this fascinating history, from King Alfred famously burning the cakes to Canadian Joseph Howe proclaiming the “sacred fire of liberty” before a jury in 1835.
Dr. Robson also takes us back to fundamentals, reminding us that disagreements often reflect deeper assumptions about human nature, morality, and truth.

You can watch Dr. Robson’s 2015 documentary, “Magna Carta: Our Shared Legacy of Liberty,” on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA-21-JuPkg, or order a DVD copy here: https://thejohnrobson.com/store/magna-carta-dvd.

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