Recently Stephen Harper announced a newly created “Office of
Religious Freedom.” He was praised for
this and was quoted as saying these words:
“Around the world,
violations of religious freedom are widespread and they are increasing,”
(Ottawa Citizen, February 20, 2013) [1]
They certainly are, including here in Canada. Some examples of religious
freedom and non religious freedoms under attack in Canada can be seen here [2]
In Canada
religious freedom and other freedoms have been under attack for some time. Yet
the Harper government seems to have ignored what is happening in its own
backyard.
Recently, in the Whatcott case, a case that could affect
religious freedom and all our other freedoms in Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada
in a unanimous decision said truth is no longer a defence even if it is true.
Whether one agrees with Whatcott or disagrees, this ruling could affect us all.
Our rule of law and evidence in courts are based on truth. Those giving
evidence can swear on the Bible or take an oath.
“A person may,
instead of taking an oath, make the following solemn affirmation: I solemnly
affirm that the evidence to be given by me shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.” (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-5/page-4.html
)
Yet, our Supreme Court judges say truth is no longer a
defence even if it’s true. Therefore if truth is no longer a defence how can
the Harper government say this:
“The Office [of
Religious Freedom] will be an important vehicle through which Canada can
advance fundamental Canadian values including freedom, democracy, human rights
and the rule of law worldwide,” said a background document released by the
government.
Ottawa Citizen, Feb. 20, 2013. [1]
These are very nice and uplifting words from the Harper
government but are they really just BS to disguise what is really happening in Canada to
“fundamental Canadian values?” Let’s look at the words used by the Harper
Government in its document.
Freedom:
Free speech has been dead in Canada for some time. The Whatcott
decision is the final nail in its coffin delivered by judges, some were
appointed by Stephen Harper. His government along with powerful special
interest groups has also sided with the Canadian Human Rights (CHRC) against
free speech.
“The Attorney General
of Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Jewish Congress,
the Simon Wiesenthal Centre and B'nai Brith Canada will be intervening in the
Lemire case in support of Section 13, arguing that it is a reasonable
restriction on freedom of speech” (Canadian Constitution Foundation Letter of
April 28, 2008.
Stephen Harper said this about Human Rights Commissions and
free speech.
“Human rights
commissions, as they are evolving, are an attack on our fundamental freedoms
and the basic existence of a democratic society … It is, in fact,
totalitarianism. I find this is very scary stuff” (Stephen Harper). [3]
Based on his own words can anyone believe what this guy
says?
Democracy:
The Harper “freedom document” also mentions “democracy” If only that were true in Harper’s Canada. This is
a government that prorogues Parliament.
“Three times in three
years and twice within one year, the prime minister takes this extraordinary
step to muzzle Parliament. This time it’s a coverup of what the Conservatives
knew, and when they knew it, about torture in Afghanistan. So their solution is
not to answer the questions but, rather, to padlock Parliament and shut down
democracy.” Ralph Goodale quoted in CBC news Article December 30, 2009. [4]
The Harper government has also passed omnibus bills with
little debate and announced changes to old age security in Davos to a gathering of the world’s elite before
discussing it in the Canadian parliament. Is this “democracy” in Harperland?
Human Rights:
Stephen Harper voted against discussing when human life
begins. Is on record as saying this: “As long as I am prime minister we are
not opening the abortion debate,…” Stephen Harper quoted in Globe and Mail,
April 21, 2011.
One would think that in a so-called democracy any issue should be allowed debate. But
it appears that in Harper’s Canada
this issue is verboten or forbidden by the “great leader.” See also the article, “Canada’s
Charnel Houses” where 491 babies were born alive after abortions but were left
to die. [5] Could we call these
atrocities “fundamental Canadian values?” But hey, according to the Harper
government we have “human rights!” It is a wonder most of these politicians
don’t choke on their own hypocrisy!
Rule of Law:
Are the words “rule of law” just mere cynical words from the
Harper government? I mentioned earlier, 491 babies were born alive after
surviving abortion In Canada but were left to die. So far no charges have been
laid in these atrocities. And Mr. Harper is quoted as saying this:
“‘I think all members
of this House, whether they agree with it or not, understand that abortion is
legal in Canada and this government, myself included, have made it very clear
that the government does not intend to change the law in this regard,’ he
said during question period Thursday” [6]
Still Mr. Harper has sympathy for dead ducks. A headline
stated: “Dead ducks tar Canada's
image, PM says” by John Cotter the Canadian Press, May 2, 2008. The article went
on to quote Mr. Harper as saying: "I'm
not here to make any excuses for the particular event that occurred over the last
few days. It is a terrible event. It is not going to do anybody's image any good,"
(http://oilsandstruth.org/dead-ducks-tar-canada039s-image-pm-says )
In closing one can only say based on the evidence on what is
happening here in Canada
hypocrisy appears to be the forte of this supposed “conservative” government
and many other politicians in Canada.
Freedom, democracy, human rights and
rule of law look good on paper but in practice they all are victims of human
rights commissions, and political and judicial BS. Meanwhile most of the
political class and most of the media continue to accept the abominations heaped
upon our once great country and its people. God help us all, oops can you still
say that, in this Country?
Now a final word from the “great
leader” himself, and don’t laugh!
“In the face of these injustices and atrocities, Canada will not
be silent.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper The Epoch Times, February 21,
2013 [7]
Yeah sure, Mr Harper, the cowardly silence from you and
other politicians and political parties on the issue of free speech and other
issues mentioned here is disgraceful.
February 8, 2013.
Endnotes:
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More info at links below on the Whatcott case:
