Free speech is not the foundation upon which Canada was built, unlike as Barb Bauer states (Gazette, April 1). Rather, Canada was set up as a democracy. Democracy, with its rights and freedoms and ever evolving, has been defined and interpreted numerous times to have numerous limitations, not all of which have been entirely or clearly defined. Free speech is merely one of these limited rights. While some would see any form of limitation as harmful to democracy, perhaps more reasonable people would recognize all things in society have positives and negatives.
Occasionally we realize more harm is done without limitations with regard to certain specific issues. Often as a group, rational people will come to certain agreements or resolutions and subsequently order formal limitations for the greater good of their own society. I feel democracy in its best light is thusly served.
I must also suggest Bauer may be dangerously naive with her idea of Srosh Hassan’s fear of being profiled as “emotional hyperbole.” The Muslims in Quebec were killed precisely because they were profiled as Islamic and were indeed even killed in a specifically marked place of worship. It is difficult to imagine how others of Islamic faith could not feel endangered.
Finally, Bill M103, is not about a law but rather more a policy. Perhaps if you are afraid of policy to enlighten and protect people, you could try reporting it to the appropriate authority.
David Robin, St. Albert
