The Official Opposition Should Oppose the Latest Internet Bill Threatening Our Freedoms, says Peter Menzies
Commentary
Not too long ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledged to transform Canada into “the freest country on earth.”
“Canada is free and freedom is its nationality,” the Leader of His Majesty’s Official Opposition boldly stated on X/Twitter a few years back during his campaign. “That’s why I’m running for prime minister—to put you back in control of your life, and make Canada the freest country on earth.”
This message deeply resonated with the party members, leading Mr. Poilievre to a resounding victory in the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race on the first ballot.
He expressed concerns about the attack on freedoms by the government, including imposing vaccine mandates and interfering with individual choices.
Mr. Poilievre emphasized the importance of standing up for freedoms and defending them for future generations.
However, despite his strong words, two years later, Mr. Poilievre’s party has become a proponent of restrictive legislation that threatens freedom and privacy.
The passage of Bill S-210, aimed at restricting young people’s access to sexually explicit material online, is a cause for concern.
There are issues with the bill’s definition of explicit content, age verification requirements, and potential impact on internet freedom and privacy.
Legal experts have criticized Bill S-210 for its negative consequences on freedom of expression and privacy online.
The bill’s implications extend beyond restricting access to pornographic content online, potentially affecting mainstream platforms like Netflix and search engines.
Despite its well-intentioned goals, the bill’s execution raises serious questions and concerns about its impact on individuals’ rights and freedoms.
The fate of Bill S-210 now rests in the hands of policymakers, with potential implications for Canadians’ freedom and privacy online.
It is ironic that a party striving to make Canada the freest country is supporting legislation that could infringe on those very freedoms.
Ultimately, the passage of Bill S-210 may significantly impact Canadians’ rights and freedoms, highlighting the complexities of balancing virtuous goals with legislative realities.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
