Limiting Speech is Limiting Freedom Médéric Audet-Chalifour

Everybody is different.  Everybody has their own opinions, thoughts, and beliefs, they vary from person to person.  Should one persons beliefs be discounted or prohibited because it offends someone else?  No!  Controversies over the freedom of speech have erupted all around the globe.  First of all the freedom of speech is protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Being terminated or punished for speaking your mind should not be a crime in a country where we are free of doing so.  Limiting speech is limiting freedom!

First of all, freedom of speech is protected as a fundamental freedom by section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Since April 17, 1982 people living in Canada were legally authorized to criticize subjects and let others hear their opinion without being punished.  According to the law, we are free to express how we feel about sensible topics.  If freedom of speech would not exist how could we know the opposing arguments?  How could a prime minister or president know if his people do not agree with his actions?  How could a country progress without new ideas or other solutions to what has already been proposed?

Secondly, speaking your mind should not be a crime.  There have been many reports of people all over the country being fired over posts on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.  Being terminated or suspended for exposing your opinion should not be allowed in a country who's charter of rights contains the freedom of speech and expression.  People are expected to act professionally when they are in the workplace.  When an employee is on his/her personal time their words should not be used as grounds for punishment.  Take the Eagles gate operator as an example.  He was fired after publishing a post on Facebook about not agreeing with one of the team managements decisions, he later deleted that post.  His thoughts had nothing to do with him not doing his job correctly.  We should not be terminated because we privately disagree with our superiors decisions.

To finish off, think about what limiting speech would create in this society.  First of all because the freedom of speech is protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Being terminated or punished should not be a crime in a country where we are free of doing so.  Limiting speech is limiting freedom.  If we are not free to express our feelings, then what makes our working conditions different to a slave who must stick with what his owner says?  Limiting the freedom of speech would create a lot of violence.  People would be unable to speak about their disagreements so instead they would act.  They would rebel against the government for one single reason.  To have their voices heard!

Equality: A Necessity. By: Kaitlin P

       

        Would you help out your neighbour if they had a problem? Why is it any different when it comes to our neighbouring poor countries? Wealthy nations should be required to share wealth among poor nations. It is not normal that just last year, on average, 27 billion dollars in food was wasted in Canada. while other countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda hardly have any food to eat at all. Not only is this unfair, but it is wrong. First of all, every country has different resources, why not share? Secondly, helping out can result in peace all around the world, and lastly, helping the less fortunate is a humanitarian activity that could benefit everyone.

       

          First of all, each country has different natural or man made resources. For example, in Canada, some natural resources are lumber, meat, fish, oil and electricity. In the United States, some resources may include timber, natural gas, petroleum and metals. Countries who may be lacking in proper housing, could definitely benefit from these two rich countries' timber exports. 

          Secondly, helping other countries could result in peace around the world. One natural resource that is likely the source of conflict between countries, is the scarce amount of fresh water left. Canada possesses 20% of the whole worlds fresh water. Yes, of course we could keep this amount, but instead of keeping it to ourselves, we could trade it to poorer countries, for other resources that they have. This would be a smart idea that might end the water wars. We all live on the same earth, why not share our wealth with others. 

            Lastly, helping is a humanitarian activity. Travel is the only thing that you buy that can make you richer. Instead of staying at a 5 star resort, you could help build schools in Kenya or plant trees in Costa Rica. By helping this way, you will not only be helping others, but also yourself. 

             In conclusion, everyone should make an effort to help out, whoever they are. Sharing wealth among poorer countries is good for everyone. Every country can give a little of their left over resources, Sharing wealth could result in peace around the world, and lastly, because helping can benefit both parties involved. Think about it, if someone falls, would you just watch them fail, or help them get back up? Why should this be any different if a country's economy falls. Equality, a necessity.