Both Liberals and Conservatives guilty of ‘muzzling’

March 12, 2015 · 0 Comments

In response to the article “Bill C-51: The further erosion of the rights and freedoms of Canadians” (published Feb. 12) by Dely Farrace:
First of all, thank you for holding steadfast to keep this regional newspaper a venue for the freedom of speech. And to that end, I will join the line to stand arm in arm with the article’s author Dely Farrace, and defend her freedom to express her opinion.
I would like, however, to respectfully challenge some comments made in the article relating to “Are Canadians losing their rights and freedoms?”; the question posed in the opening sentence. In describing Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the author uses phrases such as “muzzling (a word used twice in the article) scientists and his own MPs” and “eroding Canada’s view and reputation for upholding the rights and freedoms . . . especially the most vulnerable in our society.”
Can the same term “muzzling” then be said of Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau when, May 7, 2014, he said, and I quote “The party that we are building, and that we are continuing to build as we form government, will be resolutely pro-choice. I have made it clear that future candidates need to be completely understanding that they will be expected to vote pro-choice on any bills”? Apparently, any opponent of abortion, even “scientists,” medical professionals or any other Canadians who have determined that the fetus is a healthy, developing human being (and perhaps even one of the “most vulnerable in our society”) with rights and freedoms, would do well to check their views at the door if they want to run as candidates for the Liberal party in the next election.
Sadly then, Farrace, I must agree with you in concluding that there is indeed further erosion of the rights and freedoms of Canadians — especially our most vulnerable — but that it was well underway before Bill C-51 was conceived.
Steve Elliott,
Bolton