If you want to know how quickly freedom can be taken away, you need only look to the Canadian Senate. Sen. Nancy Karetak-Lindell, a residential school survivor, proposed an amendment to Bill C-9, the Liberal government's Combatting Hate Act. Her amendment would have made it a criminal offense to willfully promote hatred against Indigenous Peoples by condoning, denying, or downplaying the Indian Residential Schools System, with penalties of up to two years in prison.
Some argue that the proposal's defeat in the Senate renders it insignificant. However, the fact that 32 senators voted in favor is alarming. This represents a substantial portion of the chamber, which is intended to provide sober second thought. It suggests that many senators believe it should be illegal for individuals to hold dissenting views on this topic.
Reactions to the Vote
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) reported that several First Nations assemblies expressed profound disappointment over the Senate's decision. They had hoped the amendment would protect Indigenous communities from harmful rhetoric. However, critics warn that such legislation could stifle legitimate discourse and historical inquiry.
During my radio show, listeners voiced support for imprisoning anyone who deviates from the government-approved narrative on residential schools. This mindset exemplifies what Hannah Arendt called the Banality of Evil—the idea that ordinary people can commit atrocities by blindly following a moral cause without critical thought.
The Importance of Free Speech
I have called for accountability from former ministers who oversaw the residential school system, not to jail them, but to hear their stories. APTN did not seem interested in that proposal. The residential school experiment was racist and caused lasting harm. However, policing people's thoughts is not the solution.
Would I be protected from prosecution under the proposed amendment if I asked a survivor, Did you at least get an education? Or if I inquired whether any schools were run in a caring environment? I should not be afraid to ask such questions. Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of Anishinabek Nation stated that Canada is picking and choosing which human rights to protect. But no one has a human right to be free from offense or hurt feelings.
An insensitive idiot cannot cause as much damage as a government that jails people for not following mandated thought. Does that sound like Canada? We came too close this past week.
