Freedom of opinion and expression is the least in a democracy.
Indeed, there is a reason why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights devotes Article 19 to the following basic citizen need: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers” (https://tinyurl.com/yxt9kex4).
Tragically, the fundamental value of freedom has been neglected, and at times, it has been abused and even weaponized. Collectively, out of fear or out of much ideology (imposed on others), we seem to have forgotten to honour and cherish freedom for ALL (as core value; as way of being and living).
Given the above, Bambi rejoiced this morning when one of her friends/readers shared a piece of uplifting news: The province of Alberta wants to have a “Regulated Professions Neutrality Act“, namely Bill 13 or the Jordan Peterson Law. Of note, this friend is not fond of neither Ms. Danielle Smith’s politics nor of Dr. Jordan Peterson’s opinions, yet he recognizes the BADLY need for such a bill (and, which is explained under the CPAC video shared on YouTube (posted below): “Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, alongside provincial Justice Minister Mickey Amery, hold a news conference in Edmonton to announce the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act, which will protect the right of regulated professionals to free expression while ensuring regulatory bodies focus on competence and ethics—not personal beliefs“.
Basically, this proposed bill is all about the right of a professional (everyone) to express his or her personal opinion freely, without the fear of losing one’s livelihood, license, or reputation, as explained by Ms. Smith and Mr. Mickey Amery. Specifically, this “Jordan Peterson bill” would protect professionals from censorship, or cancellation, over a social media post, an interview, or any opinion expressed outside of working hours. As a reminder, Dr. Jordan Peterson went through an unfair/unacceptable legal and disciplinary process with the College of Psychologists of Ontario following so-called public complaints regarding his social media posts. This was not linked to his private practice as a clinical psychologist.
To conclude this post, Bambi wonders if the other Canadian provinces and territories will eventually consider following Alberta in its footsteps? Will this proposed bill help limit cases of abuses or bullying? Will it reduce people’s fear, expressed in self-censorship and/or in distress? Will it encourage honest and enriching dialogue? If so, how can other countries, currently struggling with freedom (e.g., the UK or others) learn from the wisdom and atittude of Albertans?
