[speechlesstx]

For little change of pace from Obamacare, Ann Coulter was scheduled to speak at the University of Ottawa. Prior to her speech she received a letter from the university's Vice-President Academic and Provost, Francois Houle, warning her they don't quite have free speech in Canada:

Dear Ms. Coulter,

I understand that you have been invited by University of Ottawa Campus Conservatives to speak at the University of Ottawa this coming Tuesday. We are, of course, always delighted to welcome speakers on our campus and hope that they will contribute positively to the meaningful exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a great university campus. We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada, as well as on our campus, and view it as a fundamental freedom, as recognized by our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or "free speech") in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here.

You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges. Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind.

There is a strong tradition in Canada, including at this university, of restraint, respect and consideration in expressing even provocative and controversial opinions and urge you to respect that Canadian tradition while on our campus. Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, city and campus.

I guess Ann was too much for Ottawa's tradition of "of restraint, respect and consideration," her speech was shut down by a mob of thugs after it was deemed unsafe to continue by organizers and police.

Seems the Provost warned the wrong crowd...

[NeedKarma]

People should indeed read the link you posted: Ann Coulter’s speech in Ottawa cancelled - The Globe and Mail noting Ms. Coulter's comments. Also take some time to read the comments on the article at that site. I guess the people didn't want her brand of hatred and fear mongering - well done Canada! She could go crawl back in her hole.

[speechlesstx]

People should indeed read the link you posted: Ann Coulter’s speech in Ottawa cancelled - The Globe and Mail noting Ms. Coulter's comments. Also take some time to read the comments on the article at that site. I guess the people didn't want her brand of hatred and fear mongering - well done Canada! She could go crawl back in her hole.

Yes, well done Canada, you've shown "restraint, respect and consideration" with an astonishing display of intolerance and a potential for violence. Well done indeed.

[NeedKarma]

The people (the free market if you will) decided that she's an a$$hole. I'm OK with that 'cause she is. :)

[speechlesstx]

The irony is so delicious and the hypocrisy so astounding, it's a shame it escapes you.

[NeedKarma]

Ok. I know you look up to her, I don't.

[speechlesstx]

You apparently don't know squat about me, all you have are assumptions.

[tomder55]

The real truth here is that she said some comments about Muslims that didn't go over very well. Yes they were over the top.That is her schtick.
Glad to see the liberal University of Ottowa is a place for free and open debate .

[NeedKarma]

She canceled the talk.

[speechlesstx]

Was that somehow in dispute?

[NeedKarma]

I guess not. Hehe. Have a great day!

[tomder55]

On an unrelated note... should I cash in the loonies I have left over from last year's vacation now that it is close to parity with the US dollar ?

[NeedKarma]

Don't know much about that. We're vacationing within Canada this year.

[excon]

they don't quite have free speech in Canada

Hello Steve:

I don't know why you're dissing Canada. We ain't got no free speech here anymore either. At least the Canadians are out front about it. Besides, aren't you the one who complains about PC right here in our back yard?

excon

[speechlesstx]

At least the Canadians are out front about it

Sometimes I am just stunned by what I read from you guys.

[earl237]

I'm Canadian and I strongly disapprove of my country's double standards when it comes to free speech. Minorities, especially Muslims are praised for saying incredibly intolerant things, mostly against gays and Christians, while a white person would be charged by the human rights commission and possibly even jailed. In Canada there is no free speech if you are not a minority.

[Synnen]

I'm Canadian and I strongly disapprove of my country's double standards when it comes to free speech. Minorities, especially Muslims are praised for saying incredibly intolerant things, mostly against gays and Christians, while a white person would be charged by the human rights commission and possibly even jailed. In Canada there is no free speech if you are not a minority.

And this is different from the U.S.---how, again?

[tomder55]

Omar Barghouti and Angela Davis were welcome speakers at the University of Ottawa... no hate there !

[earl237]

How come people with ultra left-wing views are always welcome at Universities when right-wingers would be shouted down or banned?

[speechlesstx]

How come people with ultra left-wing views are always welcome at Universities when right-wingers would be shouted down or banned?

It has something to do with tolerance and diversity.