This is an update on my last post regarding the progress of Bill C-10; an Act to Amend the Broadcasting Act here in Canada.
Let me start this article by sharing a quote from a fellow Canadian regarding the digital sphere:
“We need to pay attention to what is happening.
The very character of our country is at stake,”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, May 16, 2019
I agree; we most definitely do need to pay attention to what is happening! Our entire country is literally being torn apart by some of the very characters who lead it! The digital sphere is only one area being abhorrently affected by these characters.
I mentioned in my last post that I do not normally enter into the political arena – not that I haven’t. I merely prefer not to.
On my blog, I seek to entertain readers through a variety of creative stories. The intention of my stories is entertain, teach, and bring awareness. If you were to muse over these stories or even read between the lines you would find hidden meanings within each meant to empower you. You need only use your imagination. On my blog, I do not write about current events or tote political agenda, there are far too many gifted journalists in this country doing that job already. I am not going to compete with them as a Freelance Journalist nor do I want too. I enjoy creative writing but I’m about to take you on a detour, may it enlighten you.
There are times in life when you are presented with important surprises like a piece of information which then pushes you out of your preferred field and into another. When these instances occur, I feel it is my responsibility to take action. Further, I have an obligation as a journalist to inform others. That is why my last post; ‘Bill C-10,’ was published.
Without going too in depth, Bill C-10 is an Act to Amend the Broadcasting Act in Canada and help level the playing field between Main Stream Media (MSM) and big tech corporations such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, You-Tube and Tik Tok under the guise of promoting Canadian content. Included in Bill C-10 were provisions which protected the average citizen’s freedom of expression on these digital platforms. Basically, they prevented us from not falling under the same restrictions or guidelines as that of larger broadcasting companies which would also place more rules and regulations on our use of the Internet.
The problem with Bill C-10 arose, when the far-reaching committee amending the Bill removed Section 4.1 Clause 3 which not only fundamentally alters the Bill but which could violate Section 2(b) of the Charter – freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication. Section 2(b) is a broadly protected right in Canada.
Section 2(b) has to be broad! We are a large diverse country with many cultures whose interests differ. And, we all value our free speech whether verbal, written or on the digital web!
Today’s Government would like you to think that they are updating the Broadcasting Act in order to promote Canadian content but that is hardly the truth. MSM stands to gain the most from this Bill as it stands. Small Independent News Media and or ordinary citizens that don’t tow certain ideologies or values will find themselves blocked or fined plus our ability to research on the world-wide-web could be restricted. Apparently, the average citizen’s freedom of speech is causing the Government to fear our terroristic activities when we voice our disapproval of their activities or question their motives, so they want to restrict our ability to do just that! This is the real agenda behind the Bill! (If you don’t believe me start doing your own research.)
I blog – the removal of the above clause directly affects me and, every other Canadian active in the digital world. Plus, we already have laws that govern and protect us from libel, slander and hate-speech. As well, we have copyright laws to protect us. The internet forums we use also have certain restrictions as to their use. Do we really need further restrictions?
When I first saw the video on Facebook:
Warning
Stop the Attack on Free Speech
Trudeau and the Liberals are launching an “assault” on free speech and the Internet,
I suspected it to be “fake news.”
Main Stream Media wasn’t reporting on Bill C-10 (they were too busy reporting on Covid Statistics) plus, the Committee had been extremely silent while they worked on updating the out-dated Broadcast Act so the public were blissfully unaware of this Bill. Now however, the Committee intended to quietly and quickly pass this Bill! It appeared that time was of the essence. Would this warning to stop the attack on free speech by the opposition party even work? The United Conservative Party (UPC), were appealing to the people of Canada for help and attached a petition like the one attached to my last post.
Was this real news or fake news? It was time to do some research.
I really had to dig! Let me tell you, it took a lot of work to find any information about this Bill, which really raised the red flag as far as I was concerned.
To begin with, I didn’t really find any credible articles to substantiate the warning – which, in itself, had me wondering if this was simply a type of fear mongering ‘spam.’ Still, the advertisement seemed legitimate and I was committed to finding truth. Finally, I emailed the Western Standard, a digital newspaper whom I find to be extremely credible and Dave Naylor sent me some articles. Plus, I finally found an article in the Toronto Sun then a few others all from eastern Canada. (One of these papers actually had the Prime Minister gloating that the Canadian public was too meek and complacent to stand up for their rights!)
I could find noting locally. (I’m from Alberta. I guess in my province lately, no news is good news!) What I am saying is that it took some work to verify the information I’d received about Bill C-10 then prove to myself that it wasn’t spam or other harmful malware before I decided to share it publicly. Then I had to decide if this was political posturing. (Elections anyone?)
I finally decided the information was legitimate and worth sharing.
True, I don’t have a large following. But, two of the people I shared with did! And, they also shared. Other people in the know also shared. MLA’s across Canada were inundated with calls, texts, tweets and emails – 10’s of thousands of them all outraged at the thought of loosing even more of our freedom in a pandemic that has literally torn our world apart. I wouldn’t hesitate to guess, especially after receiving such pressure from the public, that most of the elected politicians in Canada want their rights in the digital sphere upheld as well. One only needs to visit their web pages to see how many snippets pass back and forth between them and their constituents.
Due to public outcry, a vote was taken in Parliament and Bill C-10 was tabled until May 7th, 2021 at which point, Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault and the committee refused to budge on further debate as to the removal of Section 4.1, Clause 3.
However, pushback continued from politicians and experts alike who warned the proposed changes to the Bill could infringe on freedom of speech. Following that, the committee has decided, they are going to bring forward another amendment.
In Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault’s newest statement about said amendment; he says, “We also want to make sure that the content that people upload on social media won’t be considered as programming under the Act and that it won’t be regulated by the Canadian audio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The new amendment to Bill C-10 will make this crystal clear.”
I remain skeptical as this committee has already proven themselves to be schemers. Schemers have no credibility. I will continue to watch how Bill C-10 evolves on the digital web as MSM hasn’t shown itself to be overly credible either.
In closing, I would like to thank all those Canadians who stood up and took action to protect their freedom of speech by voicing their concerns about Bill C-10. Let’s continue to be a role model for the world by showing them what it’s like to live in a democratic society. We have an obligation to those who have lost their lives for our freedom and the freedom of our children. By keeping informed and standing up for all of our rights we can put an end to characters intent on tearing Canada apart.
As an end note to society’s biggest schemers:
Canadians are not a meek complacent people. Have you been paying attention? If not perhaps you’ve fallen prey to your own programming on MSM. For more information; research Canadians standing for freedom on the digital web.
The above article was written in the spirit of free speech.
By the way, I am an Alberta author.
Thanks for the insight and best wishes in your defense of freedom of speech.
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Thank you 😊💓
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Great read! Congratulations for starting your own movement about this potential infringement on one of our most basic rights. Each individual movement grows exponentially, and it looks like yours has certainly started going in that direction already. Well done, and thank you, Nadine!
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Thank you! 😊
To be honest, I think the word meek triggers me. It’s like cha
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😒 whoops…
I think the word meek triggers me! Lol
It’s sort of like I go, “Really?!”
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Seems to me to be in line with the other steps the Liberals have taken to control the media. Media bailouts were supposedly meant to ‘ensure Canadians have access to accurate, relevant news’. Who gets to decide what is accurate or relevant?
Critics contend the Liberals are moving in a direction where ‘every aspect of Canadian life must conform to his liberal vision of Canadian society.’ In Trudeau’s words: “This pandemic has provided an opportunity for a reset.” Who decides what this ‘resent’ is?
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And the b.s. just keeps getting thicker Margy! My eyes are sore from rolling 😩
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Sore eyes – definitely not one of the symptoms of Covid…
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Lol! 🤣😂🤣
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Congratulations on your new challenge!
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Thanks Kally! It’s definitely been an interesting one! I’m working behind the scenes though as I don’t feel it belongs on my blog. It was meant to bring awareness and in that way it definitely served its purpose! Lol
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Hoping things work out and you can keep your free speech! Thst is very important!
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Thanks we are all hoping this bill goes away!
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We get so little news about Canada here, unless it involves a Royal visit of course! It was interesting to read what is going on in your country, Nadine.
Thanks very much for following my blog. 🙂
Best wishes from England, Pete.
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I feel very honored that you visited! ❤
We (I), are finding it extremely hard to get quality news of any kind here as well! It all covid stats! That is why I love the blogging world!
I read your post about Twitter… I actually signed up for it because of the news it provided! Lol
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Twitter is too frantic for me, but I am old. 🙂
I lived in London for most of my life, and I remember Canadian tourists always had Maple Leaf patches on their bags so that we didn’t think they were Americans. If you even want to do a guest post about Canada on my blog, let me know, and I will arrange it.
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Wow! That would be quite an honor! I will give it some thought…
And get back to you!
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Not so much an honour. I’m just a blogger like anyone else, and guest posts help generate interest in new members of the community. 🙂 x
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I thank you for asking… the whole guest post idea is a little overwhelming for me…
But I’m definitely willing to give it a try! Lol
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We all have to try something new sometime. I can sort your guest post out, no problem. 🙂
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That’s great! I will be in touch… what is the best way to connect with you about this in the future?
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This covers the whole process, Nadine.
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Here are some examples.
https://beetleypete.com/?s=guest+post
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I will check these out Pete! Thanks for your interest! I will do some musing on what your audience might enjoy!
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Thank you for this post and for speaking out, Nadine. The same thing is happening in my country as well- our bloated government are doing whatever they can (and a lot of what they are supposed to do) to squash not only our freedom of speech, or many other freedoms as well. I not only pray for my country but also pray for your country and people as well. Blessings.
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Thank you for your comment Cherie! Where are you from?
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I’m from next door- the USA. 🙂
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I’m very happy to have you not only visit but follow!
The absurdity of this pandemic has World Government significantly abusing its power… The response I’ve received from this post is incredible even on my personal pages…
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I’m not surprised at the response. A lot of people are sick of the megalomaniac power overreaches of both governments. You wouldn’t believe the droves of people who are fed up and it’s about time too! I’ve always said from day one that this scamdemic was a trial run for Socialism and a psyop to test us and see what we’d do. And sadly, many people fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker!
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You summed that up perfectly!
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Thank you, Nadine. 🙂 I feel blessed that I don’t live in states like California, Oregon, or New York. Lord, I pray for those poor people!
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