The freight train of authoritarianism and censorship under the Carney Liberals is barrelling down the political tracks — and it’s far more serious than Alberta’s discontent within confederation or a possible sovereignty referendum.It’s highly likely Prime Minister Mark Carney will resurrect the federal Online Harms Act Bill C-63 — a terrifying piece of legislation that will drive Canada toward the U.K.’s dystopia, where thousands have been arrested for “offensive” speech violations, primarily on social media.The bill did not pass in the House of Commons. It was introduced on Feb. 26, 2024, and completed its first reading but stalled at the second reading stage. It died on the order paper when Parliament was prorogued on Jan. 6, 2025. It will resurface.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith should act now to protect Albertans. .Critics of Bill C-63, including civil liberties groups, legal experts, and political figures, have raised significant concerns about the act’s potential to damage freedom of expression and other liberties, particularly through its Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act amendments.The bill does contain some positive items — like strengthening mandatory reporting of internet child pornography. As a result, any politician voting against the legislation will certainly be maligned.The act’s definitions of “hate speech” and “content that foments hatred” are seen as dangerously broad and ripe for abuse however, potentially capturing controversial or unpopular opinions — like in the U.K.Critics argue this could lead to subjective enforcement, chilling free speech as individuals self-censor to avoid prosecution. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and others have labelled penalties, such as life imprisonment for hate-motivated crimes, as “draconian” and disproportionate, arguing they violate sentencing principles of proportionality..The proposed “peace bond” allows authorities to impose restrictions — like electronic monitoring or communication bans — on individuals based on mere suspicion they might commit a hate crime in the future, even without evidence of an actual offence.Anonymous complaints and potential financial rewards — up to $20,000 — for successful claims have sparked fears of rampant abuse.Bill C-63, if passed by the Carney Liberals, will usher in an era of woke communism.Canada will descend into a pit from which it can’t climb out. The vase of liberty under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will be shattered. Attempts to glue it back together will fail.Smith and other freedom-loving premiers should launch a pre-emptive legislative strike against Bill C-63 — in the event it resurfaces.The loss of liberty is the most critical issue facing Canada — far above economic woes or cost-of-living problems.
