Freedom Feature

Beat the censors; sign up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “He will be remembered as a Marxist ideologue who almost collapsed his country—very potentially could collapse his country in 2024 if we’re not careful.” – Jason James Jason believes that February 14, 2022—the day Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set a precedent and invoked the Emergencies Act—was a pivotal moment in Canadian history and also the day that the Canadian prime minister sealed his own fate. In this interview (part 2 of 3), Barry Bussey and Jason James discuss the repercussions that the Emergencies Act and other failed Trudeau policies have had and will continue to have not only on the Liberal Party and the lives of Canadian citizens but other countries. 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.

Barry shares from his book 210° Celsius 16 Ways the Truckers Ignited Canada for the Long Haul, in wishing all a Merry Christmas! https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000334877383/Barry-W.-Bussey-210%C2%B0-Celsius

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “If you take a bunch of people and tell them that they’re victims . . . but here’s a cheque every month—that’s a setup. It’s about . . . creating a generation of people who will never leave from under the wing of the State.” – Jason James Jason James calls himself an essayist. He’s probably best known on X where he is the host of Brave New Normal. In part 1 of this discussion with Barry, Jason describes his almost natural progression from as a young man being pretty much a bonafide Lefty (not unusual for his age and the dominant political culture of the time), to a man in his early 40s, now referring to himself as a recovering Lefty. 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.

Beat the censors; sign up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “To take . . . an individual’s principles and their most deeply held views and say you must change them in order to satisfy my view of the world—I think is a significant amount of ideological paramountcy.” - Dan McTeague In this final segment of their three-part interview, Barry and Dan discuss how the Liberal government is trying to limit freedom of speech in Canada. This is happening in various ways through such injurious bills as C-11 and C-18 or by rejecting members of their own party and spurning Canadians who do not ascribe to certain views. Both Barry and Dan agree that the Liberal party in Canada has taken on cultish aspects and many people don’t understand the full effects these ideological edicts will have on society. 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 Dan in his latest role as president of Canadians for Affordable Energy: https://www.affordableenergy.ca/dan_mcteague Follow Dan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Dan%20McTeague Follow Dan on X: https://twitter.com/GasPriceWizard

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “If the prime minister has all this power and he’s abusing it . . . he isn’t just talking about controlling the Liberal Party; he’s usurping his powers to control the country well beyond the interest of most Canadians . . . and . . . that’s an attack on Canada itself.” - Dan McTeague In part 2 of 3, Dan McTeague, former MP, 1993 – 2011 shares with the audience why we need to and how we can take Canada back from a Liberal government that no longer represents its citizens’ best interests. Because Dan was a backbencher for nearly 20 years, he knows how things used to be: prime ministers used to answer questions during Question Period in the House and they used to assume fiscal responsibility. They used to be more interested in equality of opportunity than equality of outcomes and they understood that a good leader unites its citizens rather than divide them. It’s now time for Canadians to assume voter responsibility. 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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ Barry was interviewed about his new book 210° Celsius: 16 Ways The Truckers Ignited Canada For The Long Haul.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ On today's program we have Dr. Barry W. Bussey. Barry is our resident expert on the intersection of law and religion. I always look forward to Barry coming on because he has his finger on the pulse of what's going on in our country – particularly around the issues of religious liberty. We always get such important information from him on where we are and what is happening.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ “The control is abysmal and it’s staggering—the acceptance by these members of parliament to that kind of top-down discipline. It destroys from within the very concept that we believe in which is representative democracy.” - Dan McTeague Barry’s guest in this interview (part 1) is Dan McTeague, former MP, 1993 – 2011. Dan describes a previous time in parliament in which backbenchers had the ability to represent their constituents; in which they could exert influence to pass bills; and a time in which they had the ability to express different views within the Party without repercussion. 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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ Last time, we introduced the concept of the fourth turning—a theory of history that was pioneered by Neil Howe and William Strauss. They argue that history runs in cycles of around 80 - 100 years that they call a saeculum which is composed of four generation eras. The fourth turning is the fourth generation era since the end of the last saeculum cycle. The last saeculum ended with the end of WWII. According to Neil Howe, we are currently in the last generational era of the current saeculum. And, our current fourth turning is not expected to end until some time in the 2030s. In this episode we will dig deeper into the concept of the fourth turning. Howe likens the fourth turning to a time of trial in which the supply of social order remains low—it is an era of crises in which people realize that if they don’t stick together, things can really fall apart. Howe believes there is a chronology to this crisis era—a list of six events we expect to see or experience: (i) precursor, (ii) catalyst, (iii) regeneracy, (iv) consolidation, (v) climax, (vi) resolution. Listen as Barry describes the first three stages of Howe’s theory of the fourth generation. 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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ Barry has started a series of Freedom Focus discussions on the work of American authors Neil Howe and William Strauss who published a book in 1997 entitled, “The Fourth Turning.” Looking back over 500 years of history they discovered a cyclical pattern. Each cycle lasts 80-100 years – called a “saeculum.” At the end of each saeculum cycle is a generational crisis era in which the civic order is thrown into violent upheaval. Internal and external threats during this crisis era leads to violence. The last time we entered into such a crisis Howe and Strauss maintain was in World War II. Howe updated their research with a new book entitled, “The Fourth Turning is Here.” We have now entered the crisis era, says Howe. While Howe is optimistic on the outcome of a renewed and regenerated the civic order, Barry emphasizes concern about the devastation of human life that we may well face as the internal and external conflicts go violent. We must prepare for the storm that is fast approaching. 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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ In the winter of 2022, the prime minister and deputy prime minister of Canada labelled average citizens supporting a truckers’ convoy as terrorists. Like fire, the term spread amongst Canadians who trust their government. The base concept behind terror is fear. The use of this obvious misnomer did and should have its consequences: lack of confidence in the people who uttered it. Listen to freedom defender Barry Bussey share his views on language and how it affects our freedom of speech and especially the wordterroristin recent times. 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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ In this video, six young Canadians (Anna Flores, Boris Ruzindana, Maretes Emmons, Matthew Mann, Rebecca Jones and Theresa Jones) discuss their answers to questions on the theme of first freedoms. Their personal experiences and ideas whether as students, church goers or employees lead to one conclusion: freedom of speech in Canada is under threat. Topics such as the truckers’ convoy, the COVID-19 vaccination and LGBTQ rights all provided real-life scenarios where our panel speakers didn’t feel safe to express their individual ideas because it would seem that if you didn’t agree with the dominant narrative adopted by the company, university, church, or even your group of friends, that you risked the chance of being ostracized or alienated from the group. The discussion includes the shortcomings of DEI policy as it ignores diversity of thought. All agree the way forward is through dialogue but recognize that it’s difficult to have conversations with people or establishments that aren’t open to having their ideas challenged. First Freedoms Foundation is pleased to have provided these six young Canadians with a platform to express their views and we thank them for participating in this panel discussion. 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.

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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/

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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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https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ In 2021, Frances Widdowson, PhD, was a professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Her specialty was governmental indigenous policy. At around the same time Widdowson was having “personnel issues” at Mount Royal, a professor 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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https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 
 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_

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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_

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter:https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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

Beat the censors, sign-up for our newsletter:https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ 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