Like all Canadians, this week I mourn with the families and friends of those who lost their lives Sunday after the horrific attack in Quebec City.
As a man of faith, I appreciate the sense of sanctuary that one experiences in a house of worship. It has been a source of strength to me throughout my life.
What happened in Quebec is wrong, and whoever is judged responsible for this crime should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
In a time of mourning, emotions run high, and it’s tempting to look for things we believe will provide easy answers or instant relief.
In today’s National Post there is coverage that, in light of Sunday’s attack, it’s highly likely that Liberal Motion 103 (M-103) will pass the House of Commons.
I respectfully say: this would be a mistake.
I have been overwhelmed by the number of Canadians who have written me this past week to voice their support for free speech.
On their behalf, I voice serious concern with Liberal Motion M-103.
M-103 equates even legitimate concerns about religious extremism with hatred.
It uses vague terms that are undefined. The consequences of M-103 on free speech will be far-reaching.
Imagine if someone introduced a statement forbidding critique of the Christian faith? Or of any other religion?
People would, quite rightly, be upset and claim censorship and that debate and public discourse were being limited.
M-103 is nothing more than the government's latest attempt to unduly regulate interactions between individuals and limit free speech.
Protection from discrimination is entirely different from not wanting to be offended.
Chronic political correctness is strangling free and respectful debate in Canada and it has to stop.
It is for this reason and others that I have proposed the creation of a legislative committee of Parliament to review all laws governing speech to ensure that they properly balance freedom of speech and reasonable limits, with a particular focus on limiting government enforcement of political correctness.
The violence that occurred in Quebec is a criminal act that cannot be excused or condoned in any way.
