A Word On Our Challenge:

Imagine a nation built upon the great strengths of the Western Tradition, incorporating justice, open markets, and democracy. Imagine that nation evolving to encompass equal rights for all genders, races, and creeds. Imagine a history that fades back to a time when dates hadn't been invented. This has been the vision of Canada taught to generations of history students and it is the vision that has driven free minds to challenge their own fates, cross continents, and navigate oceans to become a part of it.

Today, the fundamental progressive element of Canada's dream is struggling under the weight of bureaucracies gone awry, special interest groups who wish to impose laws that defy equality, and individuals whom reject this key principle as "un-Canadian". Freedom of speech is at risk and every able Canadian needs to reject the tides of apathy and political correctness in ensuring Canada perseveres as a force of good in the world.

Darker times linger in Canada's past. Times of discrimination, injustice, and intolerance. These are times we look back on as sad reminders of disgusting values and unfortunate traditions. However, our history - the history of Canada - finds its greatest strength alive in the darkest recesses of our shared past. For even in the blackness of years gone by, Canadians debated those injustices. Women challenged their place in society. Native Canadians challenged their place as second-class citizens. Gays and lesbians spoke out against the laws of centuries passed. Challenged with the violence of the law, workers fought for their collective rights in the Depression of the Prairies. Canada has grown with every drop of blood spilled in this fight, with every hour of community activism, and with each case before the Supreme Court of Canada - over hours, years, and the centuries.

It is hard to picture any of Canada's heroes - those who have claimed the victories that enrich our lives today - standing assured that Canada's fight was over; imagining that the skies would remain clear forever. Indeed, dark clouds are gathering again and blow on an insidious wind. Today's injustice has wrapped itself in the words and slogans of our greatest champions. Today, we are told that our freedoms must be curtailed in the name of 'equality', in the name of 'respect', even in the name of 'justice'. But who's justice do they fight for?

To say this issue has its roots in the multi-partisan journalism of the free press would be a lie. To deny its impact on every free Canadian would be a mistake. What started as quiet trials against the extreme right has morphed, grown, and become more aggressive. Today, Macleans has to ask itself if it can cover the costs of another inquisition and bloggers across the country hold their tongues. In no time at all, the driving edge of the matter has cut into the democratic life-blood of our nation.

Hope can be hard to find in hours like these, but it is there. It can be found in the community activism that is surging online, in the opening of debate in the media, and in the actions of citizens like you. A small effort may seem insignificant, but your refusal to lie down unaccounted for can and will give strength to others. It is in unison that our voices are heard most clearly and in awakening our neighbors, families, and fellow citizens to the threat that we bring the rest of Canada into the fight and restore our common rights.

I know that you can be a part of this and that you can look back on this episode as the time when you embraced your citizenship as fully as any Canadian ever has. History counts the movements of the just and no truth can ever be undone. To be a part of the defence is a pride I hold dear and one I hope you will join me in.

Tristan Downe-Dewdney

Founder

Free Speech Canada