The 2024 Diefenbaker Lecturer is Dr. Julie Ponesse. Barry sits down for a few minutes with Dr. Julie Ponesse to discuss some of the themes that she will be presenting for the 2024 Diefenbaker Lecture.

First Freedoms Foundation is co-hosting the 2024 Diefenbaker Lecture with Augustine College in Ottawa on November 11, 2024, at the St. Peter’s/St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Tickets are now available for you to purchase at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2024-diefenbaker-lecture-by-dr-julie-ponesse-tickets-1042325663117

A reception will be held immediately following the presentation where the audience will be able to meet with Dr. Ponesse and purchase her books.

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Canadian journalist Donna Laframboise was among the founding journalists with the National Post. In her long career she wanted to understand the story behind the story. In January-February 2022 she followed with interest the unfolding story of the Freedom Convoy 2022 in Ottawa and decided she would take her camera and find out what was happening. During the second week of the protest, she walked among the crowd as an observer. The festive atmosphere of the protest was nothing she experienced before. Her family was concerned for her safety because of the government and media news reports from the mainstream media. The reports were so far from the truth that it shocked her journalist ethic.  Now she is writing a book telling the stories of the truckers and what happened at that rally. In other words, she is writing the truth that government and media refuse to tell.

Join Barry and Donna as they talk about the misinformation of government on what has turned out to be a pivotal moment in Canadian history.  This is the first of a two-part interview.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“We are so addicted; we are so taken over by our comforts.” – Ken Drysdale

In this final part of their discussion, Barry W. Bussey and guest Ken Drysdale, Commissioner of the National Citizens’ Inquiry, take a philosophical look at why so many Canadians bowed to the will of the government during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NCI website contains 305 testimonies from Canadian citizens as part of the Covid-19 response. Click on Hearings: https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/commissioners-report/

Ken Drysdale is founder of the website and movement Manitoba Strong Together. They advocate for democracy by creating community and educating people. No merchandise is sold nor donations accepted. https://www.manitobastrongertogether.ca/

Join them at their conference in Winnipeg, June 21 – 23.

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Law Professor Ryan Alford gave the inaugural Diefenbaker Lecture sponsored by the First Freedoms Foundation. This year’s lecture was co-sponsored with Augustine College located at St. Peter’s St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 152 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The title of Prof. Alford’s lecture was, “A Free Society Makes Constitutional Rights Meaningful.”

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Kristen Nagle was fined $10,000 for attending a church service in April 2021. How could that be possible in Canada? During that service she was not asked to speak or participate in organizing the church service. However, she was called called up to the front of the church and stood on the stage with a group of men including Derek Sloan and Randy Hillier.

The others in the group did speak to the congregation. Kristen was introduced to the congregation by the Pastor and was complemented for her willingness to stand up for her convictions on the COVID-19 pandemic despite her personal cost.

An officer assigned to keep watch on the congregation and enforce the Re-Opening Ontario Act regulations was across the street watching the live stream of the church service and recognized Kristen and laid charges against her.

On September 22, 2022, she was convicted and sentenced a fine of $10,000 and additional costs of $2,505.00. She is appealing that decision.

Barry's conversation with Kristen covered her activism and she shared her first hand account in Ottawa when the police broke up the protest.

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Lawyer Daniel Freiheit explains how the federal government uses the legal process as a punishment against the Canadian people. It is a “tactical pattern” of bringing people to court, making them run up legal bills and then dropping the case. Charter rights are only valuable to the extent they are enforced, or their breaches are compensated for. Unfortunately, the courts have not compensated Charter breaches by government with big dollars. This means that the government still has the upper hand in violating the freedom of Canadians. The lack of value given to Charter rights means that lawyers do not want to work on those cases because it is “not worth it” to them.

Both Freiheit and Bussey emphasize the need for the courts to take the governments’ “gaming the Charter” a lot more seriously and protect the people. Further, they call all citizens to hold the governments’ accountable at the ballot box.

The discussion continued in other areas of government over reach including the ArriveCan App and digital ID.

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Derek Sloan, a lawyer, a politician and a family man is currently the leader of the Ontario Party. Barry caught up with Derek to find out what he is up to now that there are no elections to run.

Well, it is not surprising to find that Derek remains busy fighting for freedom. He is now raising money for those who are facing litigation for standing up against the government imposition on their freedoms. His website is: https://www.fundingthefight.ca/

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Dr. Emanuel Baston practised medicine in Romania and came to Canada about 20 years ago. Unable to obtain a residency in Ontario he is now laying tiles in the construction industry. His strong work ethic has meant that he and his family are successfully making their way in their new country.

However, when the federal and provincial governments in Canada implemented the harsh COVID-19 regulations he was faced with the reality that Canada took on characteristics of the communist Romania that he grew up in but it was worse. Nobody believed what the communist Romanian government said but in Canada the default is to believe what the government says.

Dr. Baston recognised that as a population Canadians were known as nice people but during the COVID 19 experience it was way different. "You wish that your neighbour would lose their home, lose their job? Where is the empathy? Where are you as a person? That's not the future I want for my kids."

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Cara Hamstra has been targeted with a human rights complaint because she does not accept the modern day narrative. She is a videographer who has been forced out of business because she declined to video a same-sex marriage on the basis that it was not in the scope of the work that she does.

This is first case of its kind in Canada according to her lawyer Albertos Polizogopoulos - of Acacia Group (https://acaciagroup.ca/) - which is an openly Christian law firm and communications firm.

Albertos says that Cara did not deny service because of sexual orientation but that it was not something that her business offered. The case involves "intersectional" rights in that Cara's right to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion but also her freedom of expression. She is being asked to produce a work of art - to articulate a particular message that she is not prepared to communicate. "If she were an artist that did paintings but she refused to do nudes because of trauma in her past, are we ok for the state and the Ontario Human Rights Code compelling her to do that - to violate her conscience, to do that which she wouldn't otherwise produce?"

Albertos argues that the forcing of Cara to produce an artistic expression goes against Cara's religious beliefs and Christian identity.

He notes that the public would not compel a Muslim writer to write a Christian theological piece, or a vegan to write promotional material for a hunter and angler. But "because Cara happens to be a committed Christian and the issue falls within the LGBTQ some people are ok with [compelling her]."

More information about this case can be found at www.defendcara.com.

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Psychotherapist, author, and speaker Ted Kuntz, M.Ed., describes how a tragic vaccine injury altered his family’s life. This personal experience caused him to research the safety and efficacy of vaccines, eventually leading to his current role as the president of Vaccine Choice Canada.
Although the group has been labelled as “anti-vaxxers” and accused of spreading misinformation, Mr. Kuntz emphasizes that they represent parents of vaccine-injured children – in other words, parents who chose to immunize their children but became vaccine risk aware because of what they experienced. The purpose of Vaccine Choice Canada is to protect and preserve the right to medical choice.

Mr. Kuntz notes that, like any medical or pharmaceutical product, vaccines carry risks and benefits; parents should have the autonomy to make informed decisions for themselves and their children.

As we look to the future, according to Mr. Kuntz, we need to restore a firm moral foundation for our country, recognizing what is sacred and can’t be violated. He quotes Brian Peckford (a former Freedom Feature guest) who observed that “democracy can only exist in a moral society.”
We can draw hope from the fact that suffering is often the gateway to wisdom!

As with other interviews, please be aware that these videos should not be taken as medical advice; please speak with your practitioner if you have questions or concerns about your personal health or the health of your children.

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What are the challenges or pressures faced by Canadian families who choose to homeschool their children? Why might parents choose to teach their children at home, and what are the benefits or concerns? Listen as Peter Stock discusses his work with the Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada. 

As fellow (former) homeschooling parents, Barry and Peter share their personal experiences, along with commentary on the legal and administrative context that can pose difficulties for families. For instance, Peter explains how the Supreme Court decision in Loyola (2015) affirmed the right to home education in Quebec. Watch the full conversation to learn how the Quebec government is still trying to limit parental choice since that decision. 

Learn more about homeschooling at homeschool.today, or visit hslda.ca for more information.

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Should Dundas Street in Toronto be renamed? What does the furor over Henry Dundas (and other figures like Edgerton Ryerson) reveal about our cultural moment?

Freedom Feature guest Patrice Dutil, Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) discusses the present mania for rejecting our past. In the example of “L’Affaire Dundas,” he unpacks the PR campaign that has falsely branded Henry Dundas as an imperialist criminal who wanted to prolong the slave trade.

The historical record gives a very different picture. Far from being endorsing slavery, Lord Dundas championed abolition consistently, strategically, and successfully. According to Prof. Dutil, Dundas’ legacy should be celebrated, not erased from history.

Taken in the context of a wider movement to rename institutions and tear down statues, the Dundas controversy shows an underlying disdain for our national roots and traditions. Although men like Dundas, Simcoe, Edgerton, and Langevin were all flawed individuals, they made significant contributions to Canada. We need to appreciate their achievements – as well as their mistakes – in order to know who we are today.

Indeed, like a doctor who needs to be aware of a patient’s history to provide the best treatment or care, we need to understand our history if we want to function as a healthy society.

Read Prof. Dutil’s article here: “L’Affaire Dundas in Toronto: Falling for a Hoax” https://www.dorchesterreview.ca/blogs/news/dundas-hoax

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In Canada today, “to be progressive is to be neutral and to not be progressive is to be wrong.”

Special guest, lawyer Bruce Pardy, returns to Freedom Feature for an in-depth discussion of progressivism.

First, Prof. Pardy highlights some of the contradictions in progressive thought. He explains that the double standards come from the concept of “repressive tolerance” which explicitly promotes causes on the left (even if they involve violence) but suppresses ideas and actions associated with the right. He concludes that “The country is polarized because one side rejects the legitimacy, indeed the existence, of the other.”

Second, he explains why we should be concerned about Chief Justice Richard Wagner’s comments on the trucker convoy. Famously, justice should be done, and be seen to be done. In a pluralistic society, courts need to be neutral before the point of ideology. However, Justice Wagner takes pride in the Supreme Court being the most progressive in world.

You can read more about this ongoing concern in an editorial coauthored by Dr. Bussey and Dr. Iain T. Benson: https://firstfreedoms.ca/time-to-reassess-the-canadian-judicial-council/

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“. . . they became a mindless, accepting horde and that’s what happened in Canada. . . . That was the level of hate and fear that the government on purpose cultivated in the Canadian people.” – Ken Drysdale

In this video, part 2 of 3, Barry W. Bussey asks NCI Commissioner Ken Drysdale for lessons learned from the National Citizens’ Inquiry of 2023. Ken concedes that public apathy is to blame. From lack of interest and knowledge of voters to the Canadian political process, to what is and isn’t being taught in the education system, if we as citizens do not engage ourselves with current events, we can only expect more of the same poor outcomes. To add to the process, our government passes legislation and then they create regulatory boards that pass mandates and such that don’t get debated in parliament. Ken reminds us that we all can play a role in helping to maintain our democracy even if it’s just showing up at a “political” gathering with some home baked goods.

The NCI website contains 305 testimonies from Canadian citizens as part of the Covid-19 response. Click on Hearings: https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/commissioners-report/

Ken Drysdale is founder of the website and movement Manitoba Strong Together. They advocate for democracy by creating community and educating people. No merchandise is sold nor donations accepted. https://www.manitobastrongertogether.ca/  

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Can a thirteenth century document “written in Latin on the hide of a sheep” mean anything to us today?

Dr. John Robson (historian, columnist, documentary filmmaker, Executive Director of Climate Discussion Nexus, and professor at Augustine College) gives a vivid account of the people and principles that produced the Magna Carta, and explains how that heritage is still relevant and worth recognising.

Our freedoms were not created in 1982 with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They are rooted in a long tradition that grew out of a religious respect for human dignity. Dr. Robson traces this fascinating history, from King Alfred famously burning the cakes to Canadian Joseph Howe proclaiming the “sacred fire of liberty” before a jury in 1835.
Dr. Robson also takes us back to fundamentals, reminding us that disagreements often reflect deeper assumptions about human nature, morality, and truth.

You can watch Dr. Robson’s 2015 documentary, “Magna Carta: Our Shared Legacy of Liberty,” on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA-21-JuPkg, or order a DVD copy here: https://thejohnrobson.com/store/magna-carta-dvd.

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Pastor Artur Pawlowski sat down with Barry W. Bussey and shared his personal story of coming to Canada and ministering in Calgary. He candidly shares his trouble with government. His congregation lost charitable status. His ongoing court hearings and his new venture into politics.

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At what point do you stand up?

Prof. David Haskell describes a university assignment he presented to students, which resulted in several students dropping his course with the encouragement of the dean. What was so “offensive” and what does this controversy reveal about our culture? Watch the latest “Freedom Feature” to find out.

Professor David Haskell (Wilfrid Laurier University) shares his research on media bias, religion, and cultural trends. Using a sociological lens, he has studied the portrayal of conservatives in the wider culture. He notes that the media and the academy are disproportionately left-leaning compared to the rest of the society.

He cites Eric Haufmann (University of London), who found that only 6% of academics identify as conservative. The result is systemic discrimination against conservatives.

Data is being demonized and empirical evidence is becoming harder to find as universities reject the ideas of the Enlightenment. Instead of critical thinking, critical theory (a type of cultural Marxism) has become dominant.

Prof. Haskell and Dr. Bussey discuss pandemic mandates, the academy’s reluctance to accommodate religious students, and the efforts of the left to define what is credible.

Order a copy of Prof. Haskell’s book, Through a Lens Darkly, here: https://www.amazon.ca/Through-Lens-Darkly-Media-Perceive/dp/1894667921

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Pastor Artur Pawlowski sat down with Barry W. Bussey and shared his personal story of coming to Canada and ministering in Calgary. He candidly shares his trouble with government. His congregation lost charitable status. His ongoing court hearings and his new venture into politics.

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What’s wrong with Bill C-11?

According to the government, Bill C-11 (https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-11/third-reading) is designed to update the Broadcasting Act. It gives the CRTC sweeping power to “regulate and supervise” the internet.

Critics have raised serious concerns about the wording of the bill. It claims to protect Canadian content but leaves many key terms or thresholds undefined and could have harmful impacts on content creators. It could also lead to censorship of material (such as a livestreamed sermon) that the government finds objectionable.

As special guest Peter Menzies (Macdonald-Laurier Institute: https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/cm-expert/peter-menzies/) points out, the idea of “public safety” is used to justify internet restrictions in places like North Korea, Iran, and China. No one wants to be exploited by big tech companies, but we shouldn’t have to choose between Mark Zuckerberg or Justin Trudeau controlling what we see or say online. Mr. Menzies argues that consumers and free citizens should be in charge!

As a journalist and former commissioner with the CRTC, Mr. Menzies speaks with personal insight and expertise on these issues. He reminds us that we need free speech, including open dialogue online, because we are fallible. We should be open to correction rather than insisting that everyone should think like us.

Find Mr. Menzies on Twitter @pagmenzies. Read Mr. Menzies’ recent editorial, “Bill C-11 critics are now Enemies of the People.”

You can also visit Michael Geist’s website (https://www.michaelgeist.ca/) for extensive commentary on the bill (including his persuasive argument that “while officials and Minister Rodriguez regularly point to what they intend the bill to do, experts note that the text does not reflect those intentions.”)

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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The Honourable Brian Peckford’s, P.C., second visit on Freedom Feature centres around the importance of maintaining our democracy. Mr. Peckford reminds us that it requires a lot of engagement from the public which has fallen short. If we are to maintain our freedom we must do better.

Our discussion began with the Public Order Emergency Commission; his proposal for a Canadian Magna Carta; his thoughts on Queen Elizabeth II, and his teaser that there will be an announcement soon on a “full scale inquiry” on what happened over the last 2 1/2 years.

Public Order Emergency Commission

The Commission is reviewing the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act. Mr. Peckford says there are a lot of problems with the Commission. Among his concerns are, first, it is the government reviewing itself. It is not an independent body. Second, the terms of reference highly favour the government’s telling of the story against the truckers. It is not allowed to express any conclusion regarding the civil or criminal liability. No discussion of the seizing of the bank accounts.
You may find more on Peckford’s his blog on the POE Commission here: https://peckford42.wordpress.com/.../canadas-emergencies.../

Canadian Magna Carta

Peckford advocates for a “Canadian Magna Carta” that will require: First, an independent inquiry on whether the government’s vaccine mandates and lockdowns were necessary; Second, all political parties must open their books and publish audited financial statements; Third, no MPs, or members of Provincial or Territorial legislatures who broke the law can sit in the chambers; Fourth, private members bill in Parliament must be debated and voted within six months; Fifth, all superior court judges must meet established criteria and be subject to a parliamentary committee hearing and to full parliamentary vote which is final; Sixth, parliamentary committees cannot be shutdown until all business is completed and citizens who have relevant information are given the opportunity to speak; Seventh, all governments must have balanced budgets; Eighth, mandatory Civics course for grades 8-12; Ninth, the power of the office of Prime Minister must be reduced; and the PMO and Privy Council must not have more than 500 employees; Tenth, an annual First Ministers Conference outlining national priorities; Eleventh, the Supremacy of God and Rule of Law clauses of the Charter must be considered in all Charter cases; Twelveth, no international treaty can be signed that erodes Canadian sovereignty; Thirteenth, membership in an international organization must be conditional on Canada remaining a completely sovereign nation.
You may find more on Peckford’s Canadian Magna Carta here: https://peckford42.wordpress.com/.../magna-carta-for.../

Queen Elizabeth II

Mr. Peckford shared candid memories meeting members of the Royal Family and shares his thoughts on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He also expresses the view on the importance of maintaining the monarchy for Canada.

Special Announcement Coming

Mr. Peckford also informs us that an announcement is coming soon about a “full scale inquiry involving citizens of Canada to determine just what happened in the last two and a half years.”

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Tom Marazzo one of the main organisers involved in the Ottawa Trucker Freedom Convoy. As a retired military officer, he was called in to Ottawa during the Freedom Convoy to help organise all the logistics needed for a sustainment plan to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and ran smoothly. He worked with the leaders of the convoy, lawyers and city leaders to try to take pressure off the city and the police. Their goal was to build a framework of strategy to remove the mandates and go home, peacefully.

Tom shares his first hand accounts of the police brutality done to the non-violent protesters and the misrepresentation of the Convoy by the mainstream media.

He tells us where he was at time of the invocation of the Emergencies Act.

He remains hopeful that the extreme misuse of power by the government will all be revealed in the upcoming Public Inquiry.

Tom describes his encouragement in seeing the true “Canadian Spirit” shine forth during his twenty-two days in Ottawa. He has hope for the future because of the changes that the Freedom Convoy brought about in Canada as well as the inspiration and courage for the entire world.

The Convoy provided a non-violent blueprint to push back against unjust laws

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Jennifer Kabbany is editor of the College Fix, a daily news website focused on higher education. In this Freedom Feature interview, Jennifer and Barry discuss the left-leaning bias in academia, and the importance of proactive parenting to enable our young people to discern the truth.

When news headlines are more outrageous than satire, do we have reason to be optimistic about the future?

Ms. Kabbany offer three suggestions to restore critical thinking and objectivity in higher education: promoting the Socratic method, to allow ideas to be openly and freely debated; protecting the STEM fields from critical race theory by focusing on the quality of scientific research rather than racial quotas; and finally, studying the great literary and philosophical works of the past, regardless of the author’s skin colour.

Visit www.collegefix.com to see the latest coverage on current events.

To learn more about the alternative education offered by UATX, including a “Forbidden Courses Summer Program,” check out https://www.uaustin.org.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Lawyer Daniel Freiheit joins Barry to discuss the current state of the Canadian Government’s infringement on individual rights. The Canadian Government was motivated to save lives during the pandemic – but just how far can a government go in pursuing that goal. And, has it been successful?

People have suffered under the government’s programs implemented to “save lives.” Yet, Daniel’s law practice has led him to see that there are many who have been “thrown under the bus.” People are hurting because of their religious convictions. Some critics say, “It is the result of their decisions. No sympathy here!” Is this a viable long term perspective in a diverse society?

What are the legal cases, now making their way through the courts, telling us about the government’s decision process? Were they based on science or politics?

What is the state of freedom of speech? Freedom of thought? Government has put forward the notion that any support of the Truckers Convoy in Ottawa means you are an extremist. Why?

What are the challenges for lawyers in this environment in representing clients who have struggled with these government mandates?

Daniel practices law in Toronto https://lionlaw.ca/

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What are human rights?

André explains Abraham Kuyper’s “sphere sovereignty” concept, which offers a helpful paradigm for thinking about our society and our place in it. The notion of “sphere sovereignty” recognizes that institutions like the church and the family are distinct from the state, with their own authority and jurisdictions. Historically, a free academy and a free press have also been independent from the state. This institutional pluralism needs to be respected in order to allow freedom for everyone, including non-religious individuals.

André observes that the idea of human rights today is often understood as non-discrimination, perhaps because our provincial human rights codes focus narrowly on certain types of discrimination in certain economic settings. The problem is that this creates a false dichotomy between what is perceived as a human right versus a fundamental freedom. In reality, our fundamental freedoms are human rights! They speak to the core of what is to be human: to have agency, to make decisions about right and wrong, to be rational and embodied and relational.

Freedom involves responsibility; when the administrative state takes over the responsibilities once held by individuals and communities, freedom is lost. André also notes the hypocrisy inherent in the “diversity, inclusion, and equity” mindset, which is generally not welcoming to people with different ideas. As a result, some people’s rights may be ignored in favour of other rights which are more progressive.

At a time when the “progressive” identity politics has taken over the public narrative, this conversation reminds us to step back and re-evaluate what is happening right in front of us. Are we seeing what is going on? If we are, we must get involved in the national conversation.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“If your citizenry can’t rely on getting a fair and even judgement in a court regardless of their standing in society . . . then you’ve left them with the choice of being violent . . . .” – Ken Drysdale

In this video (part 1 of 3), Barry W. Bussey talks with Ken Drysdale who was Chair of Commissioners during the National Citizens’ Inquiry which took place in eight cities across Canada from March to May 2023. The NCI was a citizen-led inquiry into Canada’s COVID-19 response. They took testimonies from 305 witnesses. Topics in the video touch on informed consent, coercion, the failure of our institutions and government misinformation. Ken challenges all viewers to go to the NCI website and pick three testimonies and watch them and he guarantees that they will change your life. Download the full report or listen to citizen testimonies: https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Subscribe today to the First Freedoms Podcast!

Join the ideological battle of ideas to protect Freedom nationwide in Canada and in the world beyond!

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Donald Best, a former Toronto Police detective, shares with Barry about his experience of being put into jail for contempt of court because three lawyers gave false evidence about him. He also explains the case against Ottawa Police detective Helen Grus who is facing disciplinary action for investigating multiple sudden deaths. Her investigation led her to ask questions about the vaccination status of the mothers. It would appear that such questioning was off limits. You will want to hear what the implications of this case might lead to.

To read more about Donald Best go to: https://www.DonaldBest.ca

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation. 

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Is freedom a bad word?

Freedom Feature guest Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada, describes what it was like being imprisoned for holding a political rally; why the trucker protests were so important and effective; and what it means to be a free Canadian. He addresses questions like vote splitting, lockdowns, censorship, and the difference between politics by polling versus leadership by conviction.
As with other political guests, this interview is not an endorsement of Mr. Bernier or the PPC, but an opportunity to have open discussion and debate on issues that affect Canadians.

You can read more about the PPC’s party platform on their website, https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/. You can also visit www.jccf.ca to learn more about the legal cases being handled by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Barry caught up with former livestream guest, veteran James Topp. Having completed his march from Vancouver to Ottawa, James explains what motivated his trek across Canada, what he learned, and what his vision for the future is.

The purpose of James’ march was to advocate for a plan he describes as the “3R equation.” He is calling on the government to repeal mandates, reinstate workers, and give restitution for wages lost. He believes this is the way to repair our society after the damages done by government mandates. As he explains, people need to see our leaders acknowledge that they were wrong and do something to fix it.

James emphasizes the importance of remaining peaceful despite the sense of anger that many Canadians feel towards the government.

He also reflects with gratitude on the volunteers who have rallied around to support him with generosity and enthusiasm.

Over the past four months, James’ journey has brought together people from across the country, giving a voice to many who felt isolated, discouraged, and unheard. He remains hopeful for a dawning of common sense, responsibility, and courage.

Find out more about Jame here: Canada Marches

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Montreal journalist Noé Chartier describes what motivates him in his work as a reporter. Through his conversation with Barry W. Bussey, he demonstrates his balanced approach as he thoughtfully considers multiples sides to different issues.

Listen in as Mr. Chartier discusses recent topics he has covered for the Epoch Times, including federal travel mandates, government censorship, and recent French language legislation in Quebec.

Mr. Chartier raises some important questions. For instance, he notes that the government is right to say that there is a lot of nastiness online. Is increased regulation the best way to address harm, or will that drive extremist activity underground, where it becomes harder to monitor?

What about the use of the Emergencies Act? The government has stated that the Act was invoked in response to requests from law enforcement. Given that the various police chiefs involved have all testified that they did not advise or ask for the Act to be invoked, which agency made the request?

Regarding censorship, Mr. Chartier also points out that Bill C-11 contains a provision allowing the government to regulate user-generated content on the internet; despite concerns raised, the government has been unwilling to remove this clause. The bill also makes specific reference to serving the “needs and interests of… racialized communities” and Canadians of diverse “sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions,” leading some to speculate that individuals may face censorship if their views diverge from the government ideology on identity politics.

Check out www.epochtimes.com for more articles and observations from Mr. Chartier.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Quebec’s Bill 21 (which prohibits public servants from wearing religious symbols at work) violates religious freedom, which is why the provincial government invoked the Charter’s “notwithstanding clause” to pass the legislation.

Guest Bob Reynolds explains the innovative legal argument that the CLF (Christian Legal Fellowship) is using to intervene in a legal case challenging this discriminatory bill.

With over five decades of experience practicing law, Mr. Reynolds brings a wealth of insight and expertise. He shares his observations on the legal system and the state of religious freedom in Canada before and after the Charter.

You can find the Quebec Superior Court decision (in French) here https://www.canlii.org/fr/qc/qccs/doc/2021/2021qccs1466/2021qccs1466.html?resultIndex=1.

You can also learn more about CLF’s intervention at https://www.christianlegalfellowship.org/blog/2021/8/3/national-lawyers-association-to-intervene-in-bill-21-constitutional-challenge.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms

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In this profound discussion, Dr. Joshua Mitchell, professor of political theory at Georgetown University, explores themes from his latest book, American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time (2020). Referencing the wisdom of Alexis de Tocqueville, Dr. Mitchell raises concerns and offers a constructive way forward.

Dr. Mitchell points out why identity politics is so destructive: it takes the Christian categories of guilt and innocence but rejects the possibility of forgiveness through Christ. Without a saviour, guilt can only be absolved through scapegoating.

Like the French Revolution, which famously “devoured its own children,” the progression of identity politics requires the continual purging of the “irredeemably stained,” until the once-innocent victims become the new guilty oppressors. We also see a kind of societal bipolarity as people become increasingly isolated or disconnected from others.

What is the antidote to the loneliness, addictions, or sense of impotence that so many are experiencing today? Dr. Mitchell urges listeners to invest in their local communities. Rather than being dependent on the state, we need to help the least among us. We need to be careful not to let supplements like social media become substitutes for real relationships !

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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A Department of National Defence advisory panel recommends barring mainstream religions from the chaplaincy that do not align with the department's equality and social justice values. Join Dr. Barry W. Bussey as he discusses this latest development in his ongoing analysis of the revolution against the accommodation of religion in Canada. This is not the first development, nor will it be the last. What are we to do about the ongoing marginalization of religious voices in Canada? Time will be given for you to ask questions! Join us as our conversations on freedom continues.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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On May 4, Barry W. Bussey was joined by Professor Bruce N. Cameron, J.D., the Reed Larson Professor of Labor Law at Regent University, for a livestream interview. The two lawyers discussed the implications of the leaked draft of Justice Alito’s majority decision in the Dobbs case before the US Supreme Court.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade is expected to face a lot of opposition.

How important is confidentiality in the Supreme Court? Has this ever happened before? What are the implications of this development? What does it mean for the Court going forward? These and other questions were addressed by Professor Cameron.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” (John Philpot Curran, 1790)

Is Canada free?

Lawyer, law professor, and author Philip Slayton explains how and why freedom is a complicated and sometimes controversial concept. He argues that, even though Canada is free in many respects, we can see a loss of freedom in academia and the media.

According to Mr. Slayton, our system of education has deteriorated. The goal or purpose should be to produce citizens who “know a good argument from a bad argument.” This is necessary to nurture and promote a free society. The best response to disagreement isn’t deplatforming, it’s dialogue!

Likewise, the wholesale rejection of history is both absurd and dangerous. We may regret certain things in our past, but we need to properly understand and evaluate what got us to where we are now.

Throughout his conversation with Dr. Bussey, Mr. Slayton offers nuanced commentary on complex subjects, from the issue of financial subsidies for the press to the role of an unelected judiciary, the use of Emergencies Act, proportional representation, and the Prime Minister’s power to appoint judges. In the end, he urges Canadians not to be deferential towards powerful institutions. We must pay close attention and ask intelligent questions in order to preserve our freedom and democracy.

Check out Philip Slayton’s book, Nothing Left to Lose.

Join us in thinking critically and asking important questions about our government and our society! Sign up for our newsletter at www.firstfreedoms.ca, and make a donation to support freedom.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

On April 5, 2024, at St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s Church, in Ottawa an audience of over seventy people came out to hear first hand a spirited debate over virtue vs. freedom. Dr. David Haskell advocated for a virtuous government to lead the country back to a traditional view of “conservative.”

Haskell noted in his opening statement,

Thus, liberty is a core characteristic of the conservatism I’m describing. And while conservatives in the Anglo-speaking countries are fierce defenders of freedom, they are guided by their religious tradition to balance their love of personal liberty with duty to family and duty to their nation.
So with all this in mind, I’ll wrap up my definition of conservatism as a political philosophy. A government that leads according to conservative ideals will focus on the promotion of freedom, but it will be tempered by
traditions of faith, protection of family, and the success of the nation.
And this needs to be said.
A conservative does not need to be religious, though many are, but they must support the virtues of the Judeo-Christian tradition because they recognize that they lead to the greatest societal success.

Law Professor Bruce Pardy took the position of the “Classical Liberal” – noting that

David Haskell is one of the best human beings that I know. He has made himself a servant of God, of his family, of his community, of this country. But Dave is also a conservative. And many conservatives carry
something dark inside their hearts. And that is this. The conviction that everyone must live like them.

We agree, the two of us, about a great many things. But we don’t agree about this. And as Dave suggested, this may be the thing upon which the fight turns. Because there are these two forces working together to try and resist the woke, to try to resist the dissolving of Western Civilization. If you give somebody control, they have control over what happens. And that’s the way government works. If government is going to foster a virtuous society, it’s going to foster a virtuous society that it thinks is virtuous.  And that’s what it has been doing.

As Thomas Sowell said, the most basic question is not what shall be done, But who decides what shall be done? Dave’s answer is the government. And my answer is you. You shall decide what happens in your life and how you choose to behave.

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Recently, Barry W. Bussey spoke with Paul Frijters, Gigi Foster, and Michael Baker, authors of The Great Covid Panic: What Happened, Why, and What To Do Next (2021). Joining the interview from Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, the three economists shared their perspectives on the past two years.

In their book, the authors looked at the pandemic in terms of a wellbeing analysis. Understanding the psychology of crowds can help us make sense of what happened in 2020, as an emotional wave of human panic swept the world. Recognizing the dynamics of power, and the political and corporate opportunism that followed, can help to explain why that state of panic has continued for so long, despite the harms caused by government interventions.

Looking ahead, we can expect a lengthy recovery. Trust in our institutions has been broken and will be very difficult to repair. Although we may hope for justice – or even an apology – we are not likely to see any official acknowledgement of wrongdoing. Instead, we can already observe a changing of the narrative as the focus shifts to new crises.

Where does that leave us? First, Gigi reminds us that evil triumphs when the good stay silent. Let your voice be heard. Second, practice stepping back from the crowd to examine your own behaviour; don’t outsource your conclusions to the crowd. Finally, Paul recommends bypassing failed institutions by forming local groups to rebuild a productive civil society.

We think this is such an important conversation that we’d like to offer a copy of The Great Covid Panic to one of our viewers! Anyone who donates to First Freedoms this month will be entered in a draw to receive their own copy of the book. Click the donate button now for your chance to win!!

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Why is this lawyer boycotting Canada?

After joining Dr. Bussey for a livestream discussion, law professor Bruce Cameron (Regent University) gives an in-depth interview on matters of conscience, politics, and faith. In addition to teaching at Regent University, Professor Cameron is involved with the National Right to Work Foundation. He and Dr. Bussey discuss legal cases on both sides of the border, along with current events and issues.

Why is joining a labour union a matter of conscience for some individuals? Is conscience distinct from religion, and how do courts assess a religious freedom claim? Why is granting accreditation for a religious university controversial?

With regard to government mandates, Prof. Cameron raises a strong concern over the power of government (especially unelected bureaucrats) to prevent individuals from traveling, working, or participating in family matters.

Prof. Cameron also unpacks his decision not to vacation in Canada anymore. How is this kind of response different from cancel culture? According to Prof. Cameron, it’s about making a personal moral choice that promotes the Gospel. This is not the same as demanding that the government or other institutions enforce the same viewpoint. The first approach is consistent with free will as presented in Scripture, because it allows everyone the ability to make their own decisions.

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Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Join Barry W. Bussey on First Freedoms Livestream as he interviews James Topp about his march across Canada. Marching from the Terry Fox Statue in Vancouver to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Mr. Topp wants to bring attention to the struggle that many Canadians face for their conscientious position on the vaccination status. Thousands of Canadians lost their employment or were coerced into a medical procedure they would not otherwise take. Topp is doing his part to say it is not right. Join us in support of one man's mission to remind Canadians to get along with each other in a spirit of peace.

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What is the link between finances and freedom?

If you have concerns about inflation or government overreach or weathering the next crisis, then you need to watch this gripping interview with David McAlvany, CEO of McAlvany Financial Companies and author of The Intentional Legacy. David has appeared as a guest or panelist on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox and other media outlets. He also hosts his own weekly podcast.

Together, he and Dr. Bussey discuss digital currencies, universal basic income, and the soul-defining importance of finding one’s purpose. Their conversation brings together the philosophical and the highly practical in a lively, informative, and thought-provoking way.

Why was it illegal to own gold in the US from 1933 to 1975? Who benefits most from low interest rates? What happens when we allow the PhD standard to replace the gold standard when it comes to our banking system?

To learn more, check out the McAlvany Weekly Commentary (unique, intelligent, thought-provoking weekly summary of the markets, geopolitics and US domestic issues) or the McAlvany Wealth Management (planning retirement, inheritance, asset management etc.). For some options for Canadian savers/investors to lessen the bite of inflation, go to McAlvany ICA. Canadians can also check out vaulted.com, which allows people to purchase gold which is then kept at the Royal Canadian Mint, and can be “cashed” out at any time.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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Augustine College is a private undergraduate institution that looks at Western intellectual history from its beginnings to the 21st century with attention and patience, oriented to understanding our world without abandoning the pursuit of truth. Join Dr. Barry W. Bussey and his special guest Dr. John Patrick, President of Augustine College as they discuss the importance of the Western Experience

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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What does a separatist movement in the West tell us about the health of our constitution?

Should we be worried about the government bringing in a universal basic income? What happens when people lose confidence in the banking structure?

An industrial organizational economist from Alberta, Tanner Hnidey joins Barry W. Bussey to talk about the constitution, coercive power, and moral authority. Tanner is an advocate for the rule of law and objective reality as opposed to subjectivism.

As VP Economics of the Alberta Prosperity Project, Tanner points out that when we sacrifice individual rights for societal rights, we end up with neither. We need to live as free people!

You can visit Tanner’s website at https://www.tannerhnidey.com/. Learn more about the Alberta Prosperity Project at https://albertaprosperityproject.com/

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Guest Angelina Ireland, President of Delta Hospice Society, joined Barry for a conversation on Tuesday, April 26. Angelina shared her own personal story of how she got involved with the hospice movement, along with the pressure and even hostility experienced by the society since the 2015 Carter decision made it legal to provide Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).

Listen as Angelina describes some of the challenges the society has faced for its refusal to euthanize patients who seek end-of-life care. In its recent general meeting, a super-majority of the Delta Hospice Society members endorsed traditional palliative care, rejecting MAiD. However, activists and politicians are still fighting against the society. Why the political backlash against traditional palliative care? Why are activists against the Delta Hospice Society? Don’t miss this discussion!

To learn more about the society, visit https://deltahospicesociety.org/.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

In this Freedom Feature conversation, law professor Bruce Pardy, Executive Director of Rights Probe, comments on the underlying ideas that were made apparent in the loss of freedoms during the pandemic. Bruce and Barry discuss a range of issues from self-censorship and conformity to the legacy of the Charter.

Will we emerge from the present crisis having learned anything about the dangers of a managerial state in which experts regulate our lives for the collective good? Or will we stand for individual freedom?

As Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn declared:
“Let the lie come into the world, let it even triumph, but not through me.”

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Join Barry W. Bussey for an exciting conversation with Stephen LeDrew, founder and host of The Three Minute Interview. He is a lawyer, broadcaster, father, and a believer in fairness, good manners, good government, liberalism (in the best sense of the word), and civic responsibility. He describes himself as “an enemy of bureaucratic busybodies, know-it-all ‘idealogues’, pontificating politicians who tell everyone else how to run their lives, woke idiots, and politically correct, milquetoast, sanitized media outlets.”

How do we keep our democracy when politicians take more power for themselves? What should public policy be in light of the current politics? We face big issues and there is no consensus on how to deal with them. How do we address woke ideologues who impose their view of the world on our children, like what is being proposed in Ontario Bill 67? Stephen LeDrew engages these questions with energy, insight and wisdom.

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Dr. Conrad Vine, a passionate religious freedom advocate living in the United States, discusses the historical roots of religious freedom, from Martin Luther to Roger Williams, along with current social concerns such as Bill 67 in Ontario. He approaches difficult topics like reconciliation and critical race theory with sensitivity and insight.

In our increasingly secular world, religious freedom is sometimes seen as discriminatory or intolerant. However, as Dr. Bussey and his guest explain, the many rights and freedoms that we value in the West have their origins in the protection of individual conscience that developed from a religious context.

For example, some people associate tolerance with the sexual revolution, but it arose earlier from a Protestant conviction that allowed for disagreement without denying the rights of fellow citizens. Today’s “tolerance” is actually intolerant, since it insists that everyone must accept a certain perspective or be cancelled. This is very different from the respect that figures like Roger Williams advocated!

Visit Dr. Vine’s website at https://pastorconradvine.com/

For more on how freedom of conscience and religion may be seen as a “prototypical” right which paved the way for other freedoms in the West (including an analysis of Roger Williams), read Dr. Bussey’s academic paper, “Blazing the Path: Freedom of Conscience as the Prototypical Right” (Supreme Court Law Review 2020).
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Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

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“. . . unscrupulous individuals could use it as a means of basically earning an income.” – Barry W. Bussey On Faytene TV, Barry W. Bussey and Josh Dehass discuss the potential negative harms of Bill C-63.
Barry Bussey is a practising lawyer in Peterborough, Ontario; he is an author and he is founder of First Freedoms Foundation.
Josh Dehaas is Counsel with the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms, and co-host of the podcast Not Reserving Judgment.
Act now! Use the form to tell your MP to STOP Bill C-63:
https://firstfreedoms.ca/stopbillc63/

What happens if we really “follow the science”? Does the research support or contradict the pandemic measures that our governments have put in place?

Dr. Joseph Hickey of the Ontario Civil Liberties Association explains that the government knew – or should have known – that it was unscientific to implement lockdowns, universal masking, and vaccine mandates, yet went ahead and did it anyway!

In fact, a recently released email reveals that the Quebec government imposed its curfew restrictions despite medical and ethical advice to the contrary. As Dr. Hickey explains, this is true of all the draconian measures taken by the federal and provincial governments during the pandemic.

As we emerge from the pandemic, we need to hold our politicians to account by demanding transparency. The biggest contribution to truth comes from individuals who take responsibility for their lives and personal decisions!

Dr. Hickey’s conversation with Dr. Bussey is a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression to allow for scientific research and discovery. As Dr. Hickey says, “in order for individuals to have influence, they need to be able to freely express their views … including views that are extremely critical of power figures, authority figures, [or] ideologies. So we have to allow a huge diversity of views.”

Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Discussing topics from the trucker’s convoy to the resilience of religious faith, Peter Stockland and Barry W. Bussey reflect on the prescience of Peter’s cautionary point, in March 2020, that we must balance “temporary measures of social distancing … against long-term social conditioning.” As Peter warned, “The coronavirus has unquestionably unleashed an alarming threat to our collective physical well-being. We must start working now to prevent it mutating into a political disease that exhausts our capacity to sustain the traditional freedoms of liberal democratic society.” Given our current state of political and social divisions, it is apparent that Peter’s comments are worth considering. Referring to WWI and the concept of totalizing war, Peter suggests that we are now experiencing “totalizing crisis.” Our society becomes destabilized and therefore malleable as we move from one all-consuming crisis to the next. In the case of the pandemic, even if or when government restrictions are lifted, a residue of fear remains, which makes it difficult to rationally assess risk. It’s time to remember what freedom felt like. We also need to restore the idea of dissent as an act of loyalty that is both legitimate and necessary for the wellbeing of our country.Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.

Can the idea of reasonable limits help resolve some of the “all or nothing” polarization we see in our society today?

Professor Dwight Newman, QC, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Rights in Constitutional and International Law (University of Saskatchewan) offers his insights in a fascinating conversation on rights and freedoms in Canada. He reminds us that we need to find ways to live with our neighbours even when we disagree. This is why Section 1 of the Charter is so important: it both guarantees and limits rights in order to allow space for everyone to live together.

Dr. Newman explains the four questions of the Oakes Test and how these steps have been applied in different legal cases. He and Barry then turn to current issues of religious freedom as illustrated by Quebec’s Bill 21 and the pandemic.




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Please note the views expressed by the individual(s) in this video are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or principles of the First Freedoms Foundation.