Episode Details

Alberta’s premier Danielle Smith boldly declared free speech as a non-negotiable core value, sparking controversy after her government urged police to avoid enforcing hate speech laws—especially when it might target members of her own party. Smith and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis framed this as protecting free expression from overreach, arguing law enforcement should focus on violence, not hurt feelings or controversial opinions. They even suggested Alberta could “choose not to enforce” certain laws, implying selective policing—and told victims to “toughen up.” Yet critics highlighted the irony: just months prior, the same government invoked the notwithstanding clause to silence striking teachers, violating their rights to free speech and association—a move Amnesty International condemned. The contradiction raises serious questions about whether Alberta’s commitment to free speech is genuine—or merely political theater.

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