Canadian Constitution Foundation

Yesterday, an amendment to Bill C-9 passed the House justice committee that will strip Canadians of legal protection for sincerely held religious beliefs. It’s a full-scale assault on the right to live and speak according to faith without fear of criminal prosecution.

Bill C-9, the Liberal censorship bill that would expand criminal penalties for speech, now puts millions of religious Canadians at risk of criminal prosecution. If C-9 passes, this new amendment means Canadians could be prosecuted if the government believes their religious belief is wilfully promoting “hate.”

The CCF vehemently opposes this amendment. Our team submitted a detailed warning to the committee, and I personally testified against it. Despite our repeated efforts, the Liberal government, in coalition with the Bloc Québécois, has pushed through this amendment to the already problematic Bill C-9.

Here’s the danger:

❌Bill C-9 becomes far more restrictive, threatening all Canadians of faith.

❌Judges will be given the power to subjectively determine if ancient religious texts wilfully promote “hatred.”

❌Ordinary faith-based expression could be treated as a crime.

We at @CDNConstFound are committed to fighting this. We will fight this bill at committee, and if passed, in the courts.

Before this bill becomes a law, contact your MP and urge them to stop it. You can use a portal we created at theccf.ca/withdrawbillc9/

1 week ago | [YT] | 930

Canadian Constitution Foundation

My new kids book, Maple's Garden, is in stock at @chaptersindigo! I signed the copies at the Yorkdale location. The book teaches kids about the right to freedom of speech using a beautiful story based on real Canadian case law!

You can check availability and order online on the Chapters Indigo website: www.indigo.ca/en-ca/maples-garden-a-canadian-freed…

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2 months ago | [YT] | 487

Canadian Constitution Foundation

It was a pleasure to be on CTV's The Social to talk about why freedom of speech matters, and how to discuss this right with our children. Every audience can benefit from hearing more about why free speech matters, and it was so much fun to speak to a majority female audience, many of whom are moms (like me!). I was delighted that the audience really loved what I had to say about why kids need to learn about free speech.

You can order my new kids book, Maple's Garden: a Canadian free speech story, on Amazon or at Chapters Indigo

Link to Amazon store: a.co/d/i0cWZVu

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2 months ago | [YT] | 327

Canadian Constitution Foundation

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you grateful for this year? 🦃🍁🍂

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2 months ago | [YT] | 186

Canadian Constitution Foundation

I recently sat down to interview the artist for my new kids book - Maple's Garden. Check our the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSAKD...

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2 months ago | [YT] | 241

Canadian Constitution Foundation

It's finally here! My children's book about freedom of speech will be shipping this week from amazon. Maple's Garden is the story of a little girl who faces down a meddling government trying to silence her. You can order a copy on amazon here: a.co/d/dr6jpHp

If you pre-order a copy this week, send a note to workshop@theCCF.ca

I'm running a FREE LIVE workshop about how we can talk to our kids about the values of free expression. Send a note confirming your order for your exclusive invitation!

2 months ago | [YT] | 624

Canadian Constitution Foundation

The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) is urgently seeking a judicial review challenging Nova Scotia’s provincewide travel ban on entering the woods. The government’s August 5 proclamation makes it illegal to walk, hike, camp, fish, or even picnic in any wooded area of the province without a permit, including both Crown land and for guests on private property. Fines are $25,000 (plus HST).



CCF Counsel Josh Dehaas wrote to Premier Tim Houston on August 6 outlining concerns with the ban, but never received a response.



On Thursday, local counsel retained by the CCF informed the government that the CCF will file for judicial review and ask the court for a hearing as soon as possible. In addition, the CCF has launched an online petition in support of keeping Nova Scotia’s trails open, which has rapidly garnered more than 5,000 signatures.



The CCF will argue that Nova Scotia’s Forests Act cannot be used to restrict access to all land meeting the very broad definition of “woods” and only allows for targeted restrictions in specific zones. The CCF is also concerned that the government has not properly considered or proportionately balanced the impact of the ban on Charter rights and values, including by creating an offence punishable by imprisonment which is unconstitutionally vague and overbroad.



“Sweeping restrictions like these undermine trust in public safety measures and raise serious questions about government overreach,” said Christine Van Geyn, Litigation Director for the CCF.

“Fining people thousands of dollars for no-risk activities like hiking or birdwatching is not a rational way to manage wildfire concerns,” she added. “The Forests Act doesn’t give the government the power to shut down access to all wooded areas across the province, and it certainly doesn’t allow that kind of power to be used without proper justification.”



Dehaas said that while the government has a legitimate interest in preventing wildfires, “any restrictions imposed must be lawful, proportionate and reasonable.”

“The current travel ban fails to meet these standards,” he added.



The CCF has retained Nova Scotia counsel Nijhawan McMillan & Conlon Barristers for this case.


Those who are interested in supporting this litigation against government overreach can make a tax-deductible charitable donation here: theccf.ca/donate/

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 790

Canadian Constitution Foundation

Our latest report is out and couldn't be more timely! "Safety Above All: How the culture of 'safetyism' is eroding civil liberties" explores historical events that reflect a growing tension between state-driven safety initiatives and individual rights. Readers are invited to question: when does protection become overreach? Download here: theccf.ca/safetyism/

4 months ago | [YT] | 259

Canadian Constitution Foundation

A provincewide ban on entering the woods until mid-October? That's unreasonable and extreme. We need smart wildfire policy, not blanket bans that punish responsible nature lovers.

✍️ Sign the CCF's petition to restore access to forests here: theccf.ca/restore-access-to-ns-forests/

4 months ago | [YT] | 592

Canadian Constitution Foundation

I've got to admit something. I’m worried that the next generation won’t enjoy the same rights we have today — rights like freedom of expression, property rights, and the right to live free from government interference.



These aren’t values that pass themselves down. Our kids won’t understand them unless we teach them.



That’s why I’ve written a children’s book.



It’s called Maple’s Garden — a story about a young girl who stands up to the government, defends her right to express herself, and shows that even a small voice can spark big change.



This book teaches kids about the importance of free speech, the protections in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and how to push back when the state oversteps. It’s empowering, fun, and Canadian to its core.



The book comes out September 2, and you can pre-order on Amazon here: a.co/d/3t9Lfh5

4 months ago | [YT] | 357