Freedom Feature

Sign-up for our newsletter: https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ The Honourable Brian Peckford’s, P.C., second visit on Freedom Feature centres around the importance of maintaining our democracy. Mr. Peckford reminds us that it requires a lot of engagement from the public which has fallen short. If we are to maintain our freedom we must do better. Our discussion began with the Public Order Emergency Commission; his proposal for a Canadian Magna Carta; his thoughts on Queen Elizabeth II, and his teaser that there will be an announcement soon on a “full scale inquiry” on what happened over the last 2 1/2 years. Public Order Emergency Commission The Commission is reviewing the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act. Mr. Peckford says there are a lot of problems with the Commission. Among his concerns are, first, it is the government reviewing itself. It is not an independent body. Second, the terms of reference highly favour the government’s telling of the story against the truckers. It is not allowed to express any conclusion regarding the civil or criminal liability. No discussion of the seizing of the bank accounts. You may find more on Peckford’s his blog on the POE Commission here: https://peckford42.wordpress.com/.../canadas-emergencies.../ Canadian Magna Carta Peckford advocates for a “Canadian Magna Carta” that will require: First, an independent inquiry on whether the government’s vaccine mandates and lockdowns were necessary; Second, all political parties must open their books and publish audited financial statements; Third, no MPs, or members of Provincial or Territorial legislatures who broke the law can sit in the chambers; Fourth, private members bill in Parliament must be debated and voted within six months; Fifth, all superior court judges must meet established criteria and be subject to a parliamentary committee hearing and to full parliamentary vote which is final; Sixth, parliamentary committees cannot be shutdown until all business is completed and citizens who have relevant information are given the opportunity to speak; Seventh, all governments must have balanced budgets; Eighth, mandatory Civics course for grades 8-12; Ninth, the power of the office of Prime Minister must be reduced; and the PMO and Privy Council must not have more than 500 employees; Tenth, an annual First Ministers Conference outlining national priorities; Eleventh, the Supremacy of God and Rule of Law clauses of the Charter must be considered in all Charter cases; Twelveth, no international treaty can be signed that erodes Canadian sovereignty; Thirteenth, membership in an international organization must be conditional on Canada remaining a completely sovereign nation. You may find more on Peckford’s Canadian Magna Carta here: https://peckford42.wordpress.com/.../magna-carta-for.../ Queen Elizabeth II Mr. Peckford shared candid memories meeting members of the Royal Family and shares his thoughts on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He also expresses the view on the importance of maintaining the monarchy for Canada. Special Announcement Coming Mr. Peckford also informs us that an announcement is coming soon about a “full scale inquiry involving citizens of Canada to determine just what happened in the last two and a half years.” 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.

Former Newfoundland Premier Brian Peckford on Queen Elizabeth II Sign-up for our Newsletter https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ In a soon to be published interview I asked Mr. Peckford for his thoughts on Queen Elizabeth II - here is a rough cut of that discussion. Incidentally, the interview with Mr. Peckford was about the upcoming Public Inquiry concerning the government's use of the Emergencies Act. Mr. Peckford also discussed his proposed "Canadian Magna Carta" to maintain our freedom. You will not want to miss this informative discussion - which we will publish in the coming days!

Sign-up for our Newsletter https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ Tom Marazzo one of the main organisers involved in the Ottawa Trucker Freedom Convoy. As a retired military officer, he was called in to Ottawa during the Freedom Convoy to help organise all the logistics needed for a sustainment plan to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and ran smoothly. He worked with the leaders of the convoy, lawyers and city leaders to try to take pressure off the city and the police. Their goal was to build a framework of strategy to remove the mandates and go home, peacefully. Tom shares his first hand accounts of the police brutality done to the non-violent protesters and the misrepresentation of the Convoy by the mainstream media. He tells us where he was at time of the invocation of the Emergencies Act. He remains hopeful that the extreme misuse of power by the government will all be revealed in the upcoming Public Inquiry. Tom describes his encouragement in seeing the true “Canadian Spirit” shine forth during his twenty-two days in Ottawa. He has hope for the future because of the changes that the Freedom Convoy brought about in Canada as well as the inspiration and courage for the entire world. The Convoy provided a non-violent blueprint to push back against unjust laws. 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.

Sign-up for our Newsletter https://firstfreedoms.ca/call_to_action_pages/stay_informed/ Jennifer Kabbany is editor of the College Fix, a daily news website focused on higher education. In this Freedom Feature interview, Jennifer and Barry discuss the left-leaning bias in academia, and the importance of proactive parenting to enable our young people to discern the truth. When news headlines are more outrageous than satire, do we have reason to be optimistic about the future? Ms. Kabbany offer three suggestions to restore critical thinking and objectivity in higher education: promoting the Socratic method, to allow ideas to be openly and freely debated; protecting the STEM fields from critical race theory by focusing on the quality of scientific research rather than racial quotas; and finally, studying the great literary and philosophical works of the past, regardless of the author’s skin colour. Visit www.collegefix.com to see the latest coverage on current events. To learn more about the alternative education offered by UATX, including a “Forbidden Courses Summer Program,” check out https://www.uaustin.org. 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.

Lawyer Daniel Freiheit joins Barry to discuss the current state of the Canadian Government's infringement on individual rights. The Canadian Government was motivated to save lives during the pandemic - but just how far can a government go in pursuing that goal. And, has it been successful? People have suffered under the government's programs implemented to "save lives." Yet, Daniel's law practice has led him to see that there are many who have been "thrown under the bus." People are hurting because of their religious convictions. Some critics say, "It is the result of their decisions. No sympathy here!" Is this a viable long term perspective in a diverse society? What are the legal cases, now making their way through the courts, telling us about the government's decision process? Were they based on science or politics? What is the state of freedom of speech? Freedom of thought? Government has put forward the notion that any support of the Truckers Convoy in Ottawa means you are an extremist. Why? What are the challenges for lawyers in this environment in representing clients who have struggled with these government mandates? Daniel practices law in Toronto https://lionlaw.ca/ 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.

What are human rights? André explains Abraham Kuyper’s “sphere sovereignty” concept, which offers a helpful paradigm for thinking about our society and our place in it. The notion of “sphere sovereignty” recognizes that institutions like the church and the family are distinct from the state, with their own authority and jurisdictions. Historically, a free academy and a free press have also been independent from the state. This institutional pluralism needs to be respected in order to allow freedom for everyone, including non-religious individuals. André observes that the idea of human rights today is often understood as non-discrimination, perhaps because our provincial human rights codes focus narrowly on certain types of discrimination in certain economic settings. The problem is that this creates a false dichotomy between what is perceived as a human right versus a fundamental freedom. In reality, our fundamental freedoms are human rights! They speak to the core of what is to be human: to have agency, to make decisions about right and wrong, to be rational and embodied and relational. Freedom involves responsibility; when the administrative state takes over the responsibilities once held by individuals and communities, freedom is lost. André also notes the hypocrisy inherent in the “diversity, inclusion, and equity” mindset, which is generally not welcoming to people with different ideas. As a result, some people’s rights may be ignored in favour of other rights which are more progressive. At a time when the “progressive” identity politics has taken over the public narrative, this conversation reminds us to step back and re-evaluate what is happening right in front of us. Are we seeing what is going on? If we are, we must get involved in the national conversation. 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.

Quebec’s Bill 21 (which prohibits public servants from wearing religious symbols at work) violates religious freedom, which is why the provincial government invoked the Charter’s “notwithstanding clause” to pass the legislation. Guest Bob Reynolds explains the innovative legal argument that the CLF (Christian Legal Fellowship) is using to intervene in a legal case challenging this discriminatory bill. With over five decades of experience practicing law, Mr. Reynolds brings a wealth of insight and expertise. He shares his observations on the legal system and the state of religious freedom in Canada before and after the Charter. You can find the Quebec Superior Court decision (in French) here https://www.canlii.org/fr/qc/qccs/doc/2021/2021qccs1466/2021qccs1466.html?resultIndex=1. You can also learn more about CLF’s intervention at https://www.christianlegalfellowship.org/blog/2021/8/3/national-lawyers-association-to-intervene-in-bill-21-constitutional-challenge 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.

Donald Best, a former Toronto Police detective, shares with Barry about his experience of being put into jail for contempt of court because three lawyers gave false evidence about him to a court. He also explains the case against Ottawa Police detective Helen Grus who is facing disciplinary action for investigating multiple sudden deaths. Her investigation led her to ask questions about the vaccination status of the mothers. It would appear that such questioning was off limits. You will want to hear what the implications of this case might lead to. To read more about Donald Best go to: https://www.DonaldBest.ca 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 caught up with former livestream guest, veteran James Topp. Having completed his march from Vancouver to Ottawa, James explains what motivated his trek across Canada, what he learned, and what his vision for the future is. The purpose of James' march was to advocate for a plan he describes as the "3R equation." He is calling on the government to repeal mandates, reinstate workers, and give restitution for wages lost. He believes this is the way to repair our society after the damages done by government mandates. As he explains, people need to see our leaders acknowledge that they were wrong and do something to fix it. James emphasizes the importance of remaining peaceful despite the sense of anger that many Canadians feel towards the government. He also reflects with gratitude on the volunteers who have rallied around to support him with generosity and enthusiasm. Over the past four months, James' journey has brought together people from across the country, giving a voice to many who felt isolated, discouraged, and unheard. He remains hopeful for a dawning of common sense, responsibility, and courage. 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.

Is freedom a bad word? Freedom Feature guest Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada, describes what it was like being imprisoned for holding a political rally; why the trucker protests were so important and effective; and what it means to be a free Canadian. He addresses questions like vote splitting, lockdowns, censorship, and the difference between politics by polling versus leadership by conviction. As with other political guests, this interview is not an endorsement of Mr. Bernier or the PPC, but an opportunity to have open discussion and debate on issues that affect Canadians. You can read more about the PPC’s party platform on their website, https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/. You can also visit www.jccf.ca to learn more about the legal cases being handled by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom.

In this profound discussion, Dr. Joshua Mitchell, professor of political theory at Georgetown University, explores themes from his latest book, American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time (2020). Referencing the wisdom of Alexis de Tocqueville, Dr. Mitchell raises concerns and offers a constructive way forward. Dr. Mitchell points out why identity politics is so destructive: it takes the Christian categories of guilt and innocence but rejects the possibility of forgiveness through Christ. Without a saviour, guilt can only be absolved through scapegoating. Like the French Revolution, which famously “devoured its own children,” the progression of identity politics requires the continual purging of the “irredeemably stained,” until the once-innocent victims become the new guilty oppressors. We also see a kind of societal bipolarity as people become increasingly isolated or disconnected from others. What is the antidote to the loneliness, addictions, or sense of impotence that so many are experiencing today? Dr. Mitchell urges listeners to invest in their local communities. Rather than being dependent on the state, we need to help the least among us. We need to be careful not to let supplements like social media become substitutes for real relationships!

Montreal journalist Noé Chartier describes what motivates him in his work as a reporter. Through his conversation with Barry W. Bussey, he demonstrates his balanced approach as he thoughtfully considers multiples sides to different issues. Listen in as Mr. Chartier discusses recent topics he has covered for the Epoch Times, including federal travel mandates, government censorship, and recent French language legislation in Quebec. Mr. Chartier raises some important questions. For instance, he notes that the government is right to say that there is a lot of nastiness online. Is increased regulation the best way to address harm, or will that drive extremist activity underground, where it becomes harder to monitor? What about the use of the Emergencies Act? The government has stated that the Act was invoked in response to requests from law enforcement. Given that the various police chiefs involved have all testified that they did not advise or ask for the Act to be invoked, which agency made the request? Regarding censorship, Mr. Chartier also points out that Bill C-11 contains a provision allowing the government to regulate user-generated content on the internet; despite concerns raised, the government has been unwilling to remove this clause. The bill also makes specific reference to serving the “needs and interests of… racialized communities” and Canadians of diverse “sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions,” leading some to speculate that individuals may face censorship if their views diverge from the government ideology on identity politics. Check out www.epochtimes.com for more articles and observations from Mr. Chartier. - - - 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.

Recently, Barry W. Bussey spoke with Paul Frijters, Gigi Foster, and Michael Baker, authors ofThe Great Covid Panic: What Happened,Why, and What To Do Next(2021). Joining the interview from Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, the three economists shared their perspectives on the past two years. In their book, the authors looked at thepandemicin terms of a wellbeing analysis.Understanding the psychology of crowds can help us make sense of what happened in 2020, as an emotional wave of human panic swept the world. Recognizing the dynamics of power, and the political and corporate opportunism that followed, can help to explain why that state of panic has continued for so long, despite the harms caused by government interventions. Looking ahead, we can expect a lengthy recovery. Trust in our institutions has been broken and will be very difficult to repair. Although we may hope for justice–or even an apology–we are not likely to see any official acknowledgement of wrongdoing. Instead, we can already observe a changing of the narrative as the focus shifts to new crises. Where does that leave us? First, Gigi reminds us that evil triumphs when the good stay silent. Let your voice be heard. Second, practice stepping back from the crowd to examine your own behaviour; don’t outsource your conclusions to the crowd. Finally, Paul recommends bypassing failed institutions by forming local groups to rebuild a productive civil society. Finally, we think this is such an important conversation that we'd like to offer a copy of The Great Covid Panic to one of our viewers! Anyone who donates to First Freedoms this month (June 2022) will be entered in a draw to receive their own copy of the book. Head to our website now for your chance to win!! www.firstfreedoms.ca - - - 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.

Reading a letter that I sent to Members of Parliament in an effort to encourage more of them to meet with me on the 22nd of June for the purposes of constructive dialogue. #WhoIsJamesTopp #IAmJamesTopp #CanadaMarches Re-share if you like: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cDcaMg8XmBwL9euvEMRVrYqPybaJtzfe?usp=sharing One man's journey for freedom in Canada. Few people are aware because few news outlets are covering his march. But, we are. We admire those who are willing to speak out for freedom in a peaceful, civil, and reasonable manner as has James Topp. What would motivate one man to walk across the country to Ottawa? Find out. See our previous interview.

University students and newlyweds David and Stephanie met with First Freedoms in December to receive legal counsel in applying for accommodation for their religious beliefs. Recently, they met again to share an update on their situation. Find out what they’ve gone through in the last two semesters! How have they been treated and how have they handled the experience? In their final year of studies, David, an aerospace engineer, and Stephanie, a biomedical scientist, made a conscientious decision not to receive a certain mandatory medical procedure. Banned from campus, they applied for accommodation in order to complete their degrees online. Yet, even though they were able to study remotely in the previous year, their university refused to provide that option. Listen as David and Stephanie describe the challenges they have endured. How has the bureaucracy handled their case? Have they been successful in their attempts to finish their degrees? Here at First Freedoms, we care about the hardships faced by individuals like the Machucas. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to take on more legal challenges at this time. We need your support to offer help to Canadians who face discrimination because of their beliefs. Would you consider making a donation for freedom today?

Why is this lawyer boycotting Canada? After joining Dr. Bussey for a livestream discussion, law professor Bruce Cameron (Regent University) gives an in-depth interview on matters of conscience, politics, and faith. In addition to teaching at Regent University, Professor Cameron is involved with the National Right to Work Foundation. He and Dr. Bussey discuss legal cases on both sides of the border, along with current events and issues. Why is joining a labour union a matter of conscience for some individuals? Is conscience distinct from religion, and how do courts assess a religious freedom claim? Why is granting accreditation for a religious university controversial? With regard to government mandates, Prof. Cameron raises a strong concern over the power of government (especially unelected bureaucrats) to prevent individuals from traveling, working, or participating in family matters. Prof. Cameron also unpacks his decision not to vacation in Canada anymore. How is this kind of response different from cancel culture? According to Prof. Cameron, it’s about making a personal moral choice that promotes the Gospel. This is not the same as demanding that the government or other institutions enforce the same viewpoint. The first approach is consistent with free will as presented in Scripture, because it allows everyone the ability to make their own decisions. - - - 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.

Free speech allows us to think, solve problems, and seek after truth. We live in a time when governments and corporations are more inclined to censor "disinformation" than to encourage a free marketplace of ideas. Yet the examples of history remind us that attempting to control speech does not lead to greater peace, safety, or freedom! In this video, Barry W. Bussey shares insights drawn from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Philip Slayton, and Jordan Peterson. We encourage you to get a copy of Philip's 2020 book, Nothing Left To Lose, at https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/nothing-left-to-lose/ Watch Jordan Peterson's video, "Why I'm So Obsessed by Free Speech," (May 15, 2022) on his YouTube Channel. Finally, to subscribe to the First Freedoms newsletter, or donate to support more great content, go to www.firstfreedoms.ca

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” (John Philpot Curran, 1790) Is Canada free? Lawyer, law professor, and author Philip Slayton explains how and why freedom is a complicated and sometimes controversial concept. He argues that, even though Canada is free in many respects, we can see a loss of freedom in academia and the media. According to Mr. Slayton, our system of education has deteriorated. The goal or purpose should be to produce citizens who “know a good argument from a bad argument.” This is necessary to nurture and promote a free society. The best response to disagreement isn’t deplatforming, it’s dialogue! Likewise, the wholesale rejection of history is both absurd and dangerous. We may regret certain things in our past, but we need to properly understand and evaluate what got us to where we are now. Throughout his conversation with Dr. Bussey, Mr. Slayton offers nuanced commentary on complex subjects, from the issue of financial subsidies for the press to the role of an unelected judiciary, the use of Emergencies Act, proportional representation, and the Prime Minister’s power to appoint judges. In the end, he urges Canadians not to be deferential towards powerful institutions. We must pay close attention and ask intelligent questions in order to preserve our freedom and democracy. Check out Philip Slayton's book, Nothing Left to Lose. Join us in thinking critically and asking important questions about our government and our society! Sign up for our newsletter at www.firstfreedoms.ca, and make a donation to support freedom.

A Department of National Defence advisor panel recommends barring mainstream religions from the chaplaincy that do not align with the department's equality and social justice values. Join Dr. Barry W. Bussey as he discusses this latest development in his ongoing analysis of the revolution against the accommodation of religion in Canada. This is not the first development, nor will it be the last. What are we to do about the ongoing marginalization of religious voices in Canada? Time will be given for you to ask questions! Join us as our conversations on freedom continues.

What is the link between finances and freedom? If you have concerns about inflation or government overreach or weathering the next crisis, then you need to watch this gripping interview with David McAlvany, CEO of McAlvany Financial Companies and author of The Intentional Legacy. David has appeared as a guest or panelist on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox and other media outlets. He also hosts his own weekly podcast. Together, he and Dr. Bussey discuss digital currencies, universal basic income, and the soul-defining importance of finding one's purpose. Their conversation brings together the philosophical and the highly practical in a lively, informative, and thought-provoking way. Why was it illegal to own gold in the US from 1933 to 1975? Who benefits most from low interest rates? What happens when we allow the PhD standard to replace the gold standard when it comes to our banking system? To learn more, check out the McAlvany Weekly Commentary (unique, intelligent, thought-provoking weekly summary of the markets, geopolitics and US domestic issues) or the McAlvany Wealth Management (planning retirement, inheritance, asset management etc.). For some options for Canadian savers/investors to lessen the bite of inflation, go to McAlvany ICA.

Justice Ivan Rand would have been 138 today, April 27! In honour of his birthday, we've released a short documentary on his life and legacy. First Freedom Foundation's name and mandate was inspired by Justice Ivan Rand's reference to the "original" freedoms of speech, religion, and the inviolability of the person. Find out more on our website, firstfreedoms.ca!

Join Barry W. Bussey on April 26 at 8:00pm and his special guest Angelina Ireland, President of Delta Hospice Society. Angelina will share her own personal story of how she got involved with the hospice movement. In its recent general meeting a super-majority of members endorsed traditional palliative care rejecting Medical Assistance in Dying but activists and politicians are fighting against the society. Why the political backlash against traditional palliative care? Why are activists against the Delta Hospice Society? You will not want to miss this livestream discussion - April 26, 2022, at 8:00 pm!

What does a separatist movement tell us about the health of our constitution and the damage done by heavy-handed government? Should we be worried about the state bringing in a universal basic income? And what happens when people lose confidence in the banking structure? An industrial organizational economist from Alberta, Tanner Hnidey joins Barry W. Bussey to talk about the constitution, coercive power, and moral authority. Tanner is an advocate for the rule of law and objective reality as opposed to subjectivism. As VP Economics of the Alberta Prosperity Project, Tanner points out that when we sacrifice individual rights for societal rights, we end up with neither. We need to live as free people! You can visit Tanner's website at https://www.tannerhnidey.com/. Learn more about the Alberta Prosperity Project at https://albertaprosperityproject.com/

Join Barry Bussey as he opines on the Charter and the ensuing debates that continue with us to this day.

Discussing topics from the trucker's convoy to the resilience of religious faith, Peter Stockland and Barry W. Bussey reflect on Peter's cautionary point, in March 2020, that we must balance "temporary measures of social distancing ... against long-term social conditioning". As Peter warned, "The coronavirus has unquestionably unleashed an alarming threat to our collective physical well-being. We must start working now to prevent it mutating into a political disease that exhausts our capacity to sustain the traditional freedoms of liberal democratic society." Given our current state of political and social divisions, it is apparent that Peter's comments are worth considering. Referring to WWI and the concept of totalizing war, Peter suggests that we are experiencing "totalizing crisis." Our society becomes destabilized and therefore malleable as we move from one all-consuming crisis to the next. In the case of the pandemic, even if or when government restrictions are lifted, a residue of fear remains, which makes it difficult to rationally assess risk. It's time to remember what freedom felt like. We also need to restore the idea of dissent as an act of loyalty that is both legitimate and necessary for the wellbeing of our country. - - - 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.