[Fdu] Defend free speech.Support the Canadian Arab Federation in federal court.

[Cynthia Wright]

Support the Canadian Arab Federation in federal court.


Tuesday, May 28 to Thursday, May 30
Solidarity rally: Tuesday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m.
Hearing: May 28, 29 & 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Federal Court Building, 180 Queen Street West | TTC: Osgoode | Map


Share on Facebook!


For three days this week, the Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) will appear in federal court to make its case against Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney. Just over four years ago, Kenney targeted CAF in response to its opposition to Israel's war on Gaza, and for criticizing the Canadian government's refusal to back a ceasefire. Without any consultation and ignoring his own department's rules and procedures, Kenney unilaterally cut federal funding for CAF's acclaimed immigration settlement program and abruptly ended an 11-year relationship with CAF.


Kenney's response to CAF is part of a broader attempt by the federal government to curtail political criticism by Canadian civil society organizations. Kenney and other government ministers have targeted a wide range of organizations in response to their opposition to federal government policies, including KAIROS, Greenpeace, Rights & Democracy, Palestine House and numerous women's health groups.


Kenney has also targeted individuals who have criticized his government's policies, from British MP George Galloway, to independent Palestinian MP Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, to Canadian diplomat Richard Colvin. In 2010, the federal court issued a 60-page ruling against Kenney, overturning his ban on Galloway, who was blocked from entering Canada for a speaking tour in 2009.


Kenney's behaviour represents an attack on free speech in Canada, and has created a chill effect in civil society meant to discourage political dissent and opposition. Anyone who supports free speech in Canada should support CAF's case against Kenney.


How you can support CAF


Attend the solidarity rally. Demonstrate your support for CAF's case against Jason Kenney. The rally takes place on Tuesday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m. at 180 Queen Street West.


Be present in court. A packed court room makes a difference, and shows that the public cares about this issue. The hearing takes place on May 28, 29 and 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 180 Queen Street West. Please attend whenever you have time. The most important time to attend is Tuesday morning.


Spread the word. This has been a long, four-year struggle. Please forward this message to your friends and contacts, and share the background of the case online. Watch for updates in the media and share them, too.


Make a donation. CAF's legal team is not billing for its work (and hasn't been billing since it took the case), but it currently faces thousands of dollars in unavoidable disbursements and costs associated with the court proceedings. By contrast, the government has countless resources to fight its case. To make an online donation, click here. Or send a cheque or money order made payable to Peace and Justice Committee to:


CAF Support
427 Bloor St West, Box 13
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1X7


Thanks in advance for your ongoing solidarity and support!


Background


CAF, Jason Kenney, and principles of government funding


KAIROS Canada responds to Minister Kenney's comments on anti-Semitism


Free speech includes the right to protest


How George Galloway was barred from Canada in less than 2 hours


Highlights of the Galloway decision


What the Galloway court decision means for free speech in Canada


Hitman Jason Kenney strikes again


Independent Jewish Voices condemns Jason Kenney's attack on free speech


Jason Kenney's censorship problem


Official website of the Canadian Arab Federation


Organized by Friends of the Canadian Arab Federation | Email: defendfreespeech.ca at gmail.com
 




-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://listserv.physics.utoronto.ca/pipermail/fdu/attachments/20130527/91b9e8d0/attachment.html