Tuesday, May 18, 2004

Freedom of Speech Stifled by the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Canada did the unthinkable today with its decision to prevent the electorate from freely expressing themselves during political debates at election time. In its decision to restrict spending limits by third parties, the Supreme Court has ensured that important issues will not be seen and heard by the voting public.

Graham Garton of the federal Justice Department said recently, “The protection of electoral fairness necessarily involves some restriction of freedom of expression.” Scary!

“Most recent election campaigns have been driven by the political parties who decide the issues with the public placidly complying”, said Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition(CLC) from Toronto. “This decision by the Supreme Court will further erode our precious freedoms in Canada. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right and the Court seems intent on chipping away at our rights one by one.”

“What are the politicians afraid of?” asks Karen Murawsky, Public Affairs Director, Campaign Life Coalition. “The public, not the political parties must decide which issues are important to them - the ones they are voting on, not the politicians. An informed and participating electorate is the only protection against governments that dictate policy against the wishes of the people.”

Campaign Life Coalition calls on the opposition parties to commit to a repeal of the gag law in the next parliament and encourages Liberals who support democracy and free speech to speak out against their party’s anti-democratic legislation.

Media Contacts:
Karen Murawsky, Director, Campaign Life Coalition Public Affairs Office, Ottawa 613-729-0379
Mary Ellen Douglas, National Organizer CLC Kingston, 613-389-4472
Rhonda Wood, CLC Toronto Office, 416-204-9749

Campaign Life Coalition is Canada's national pro-life organization.