The hallmark of a free society is the ability to freely speak your mind.
It doesn’t matter whether your views are popular or not.
You have the right to speak, write and express yourself.
French philosopher Voltaire’s view on freedom of speech is famously described as:
“I don’t approve of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Justin Trudeau and his Liberals don’t share that sentiment.
Instead, they are pursuing a campaign to severely limit the ways Canadians can express themselves.
First, there is Bill C-10. This legislation would give the government the ability to regulate your content on the internet.
Now, the Liberals have drafted more legislation to drastically curtail free expression.
Concerns have been raised that their latest legislation, Bill C-36, will put a chill on free speech and be open to abuse.
The problem is the legislation is based on poorly defined subjective terms.
This won’t solve the problem of hate speech, it will just infringe on the rights of Canadians.
Hate speech is already a crime in Canada and cases of it should be directed to the courts.
Burning down religious institutions is unacceptable
Over the last several weeks, scores of religious institutions have been vandalized and several have even been burnt down.
This is an unacceptable hate crime.
Freedom of religion is a fundamental right that all Canadians enjoy.
Whether it’s a mosque, synagogue, temple or church they’re sacred spaces that one can never justify destroying.
Yet, far too many on the radical left are doing just that.
For example, Harsha Walia the executive director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, recently tweeted to “burn it all down.”
Yet, Walia wasn’t alone. Scores of left-wing activists from across Canada are advocating for the destruction of churches.
More needs to be done to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
The residential school system was wrong.
We need to seriously work on improving our relationship and the living standards for Indigenous Canadians.
However, burning down churches isn’t and can’t be part of that process of reconciliation.
As the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations Perry Bellegarde has said:
“To burn things down is not our way…our way is to build relationships and come together.”
Let’s all do that.
I handed out water to beat the heat
With temperatures soaring and officials issuing health warnings, I headed to Edmonton’s inner city to hand out ice-cold water.
Thanks to our constituency office staffer Josh Hui for the video.
Win a lunch with your MP
Talking with you and hearing your feedback is the most important part of my job as your Member of Parliament.
I’ll be hosting a lucky subscriber of my e-newsletter this summer for lunch.
We’ll have a chance to talk directly about the issues that matter most to you.
To be considered all you have to do is subscribe to my e-newsletter.
I’ll be drawing the winner in late July.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely already a subscriber. But please share this contest and link with a friend or family member. They can subscribe at: kerrydiotte.com/newsletter-subscription/
In the news
— Canada’s Bill C-10 ‘Orwellian:’ Senator. Link
— Bill C-10 was just the tip of the iceberg. Link
— Canadian Voices: Un-woke and Un-heard. Link
— Trudeau silence on police killing questioned. Link
— Vandals target Calgary churches. Link
— Columnist blasts church burnings as sacrilege. Link
— Politicians seem afraid to condemn arsonists. Link
— Alberta premier promises security funding for churches. Link
— Vandals boast about their crime. Link
— NDP MP offended by Happy Canada Day email. Link
— Chinese vaccine documents embarrass Trudeau. Link
— Facebook plays Big Brother (really). Link
— Trudeau Liberals play at journalism. Link
— Conrad Black gives a history lesson. Link
— Columnist says feds sowing confusion over COVID. Link
— Left-wing activist under fire for ‘burn it all down’ tweet. Link
You said it
— “We really need something to celebrate. It has been a terrible year and a half. We have been locked down, not able to hug our grandchildren
not able to celebrate weddings or hold funerals. Not able to mingle with our friends and family. I’m praying we win the cup.” — Ellen G.
— “Please please please…in the next election can we focus on building Canada up, not tearing it down.” — Irene A.
— [on burning down churches] “Seems to me vandalizing or destroying ANY structure for protest is unacceptable and criminal.” — Preston B.
Last week’s straw poll results
Last week I asked folks if they were supporting the Habs for a Canadian team victory.
The vast majority some 83% said they were supporting the Montreal Canadians.
It’s been a tough first three games. However, it’s not over yet.
A big thanks to everyone who took part.
Have your say
Alberta lifted all COVID restrictions on July 1. Will you continue to wear a mask in retail outlets?
I’ll post the results in next week’s e-newsletter.
Latest news on COVID-19
You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Health Services or the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Alberta Health Services can also be reached by phone at 811.
Benefits available for Canadians
There are programs available to help you and your family during this COVID pandemic.
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I want to hear from you
I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?
Drop me a note to my e-mail address.
Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.
Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.
Thanks so much. Stay healthy!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone:
(780) 495-3261
Mail (postage free):
Kerry Diotte, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6