Minister of Culture and Community Spirit
Mr. Minister:
As you are probably aware, during the 2008 AGM – the members of the PC Party passed the following policy resolution:
Lethbridge West PC Association
Lethbridge East PC Association
Calgary - Glenmore PC Association
2008 AGM Resolution – Human Rights
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Government of Alberta implement all necessary measures to ensure the full protection of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of religion so as to foster open discussion and debate on all issues of public interest, including the right of an individual or group to publish their political opinions and preferences, whether during an election or at other times;
and that in support thereof the Government of Alberta amend the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act to exempt from complaint any exercise of freedom of expression or religion, subject only to historic common law restraints on libel, slander and direct incitement to violence.
Thank you:
Rob Harvie – President Lethbridge East
Dale Miller – VP Policy Lethbridge West
Larry Hurd – VP Policy Calgary – Glenmore
The recent announcements of the current government, unfortunately, suggest that the resolutions which are put forward at the AGM are being ignored. The issue of limitations on free speech is manifestly important to Albertans and to Canadians. The decision of not only our Federal Government, but, in fact, the current American administration and several other respected members of the UN to boycott the current UN Anti-Racism conference speak volumes of the importance of securing guarantees of free speech which are currently under significant threat by those who wish to limit open debate and discussion, particularly in areas where human rights conflict with issues of religious freedom. This was the central point of the boycott.
I would appreciate your thoughts relative to this issue and what, if anything, the government is willing to do to assure that there are no further hearings of the sort undertaken against Ezra Levant in particular.
I realize the issue is a sensitive one – however, I would suggest that beyond all freedoms, the freedom to openly debate and discuss matters of importance to all citizens is the cornerstone of a free and democratic society. This issue is too important to disregard for the purpose of political expediency.
I would appreciate your thoughts and your advice regarding what, if any, further action is being undertaken by this Government relative to this important issue.
Robert G. Harvie
President – Lethbridge East PC Association
3 comments:
What is wrong with stemach????
What I would like to see is one PC MLA with enough balls to tell Stelmach that he is wrong on this and then cross over to become the first Wild Rose Alliance MLA.
It only takes 1 and from there it will grow.
My sense is that Mr. Stelmach is a man of moderation. I think he is also concerned that our party not be perceived as a party of the extreme right.. which is fair enough. However, as I indicate, Barack Obama's administration has clearly recognized that we cannot allow the fear of being labelled as not being politically correct to lead us down a path where freedom of speech is an historical concept only..
I greatly respect our Premier, I know he is a man dedicated to do the best for Albertans.. but on this point, I think the stakes are too important not to speak out.
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