Provost of the U of Ottawa is Threatening to Criminally Prosecute Ann Coulter!

University of Ottawa ^ | March 21, 2010 | François Houle

[Syncro]

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.

 

Sincerely,

 

François Houle

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

Vice-recteur aux études / Vice-President Academic and Provost
Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
550, rue Cumberland Street
Ottawa (ON)  K1N 6N5
téléphone / telephone : 613 562-5737
télécopieur / fax : 613 562-5103

www.uOttawa.ca/vr-etudes-academic

[Syncro]

The money quote:

 

 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. 

Of course I believe in Canada many facts about liberals, homosexuals et al, unless sprinkled with a generous porportion of political correctness will be considered as "promoting hatred."

[Syncro]

This email was revieved by Coulter just recently. She is scheduled to give a speech there tomorrow

[DannyTN]

I think the Canadian Provost is promoting hatred against people who practice free speech and Americans.

File Charges against him!!!

[ground_fog]

The hard core left are empowered and will stop at nothing now-they feel invincible.

[clintonh8r]

Canada...America’s toupee.

[joelt]

She is much smarter than this academic. She will just refer to them as unidentifiables. We will all know what she means.

[dalebert]

hahhaha i would love to see them get Ann’s mouth in court.....

[hometoroost]

Francois “Azz” Houle

[at bay]

So speak freely, but not so freely to where you may offend anyone, including yours truly, or we’ll lock you up and throw away the key!

It’s as Canadian as substandard Maple syrup! Whoops, I offended the maple syrup producers! Crimnal or civil, take your pick on this one.

[spyone]

There will be a hoard of the looney left there tommorrow protesting her appearance...I hope there is good security.

[Syncro]

She will just refer to them as unidentifiables

Har, I think you are right, good one!

This is the thread here at FR about the event

Firebrand Sets Off Furor (Coulter In Canada Tour)

Saturday, March 20, 2010 8:37:46 AM · by Enduring Freedom · 54 replies · 1,214+ views

The London Free Press ^ | March 20 2010 | JONATHAN SHER

[at bay]

Actually, it is Francois A. Houle. Or not.

[tarheelswamprat]

She is much smarter than this academic. She will just refer to them as unidentifiables. We will all know what she means.

Or she could just refer to them as "Orwell's pigs" in every reference... /g

[wita]

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.

Hatred has nothing to do with speech in Canada. Opening your mouth in Canada equals hatred if an identifiable group even complains regardless of evidence. Just ask Mark Stein. who is being prosecuted unless something has taken place I am not aware of.

[TigerBait]

Exactly the type of laws libs want here in the U.S.

Why don’t libs head over to Iran and enjoy the laws on speech there?

[Rocky]

We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada

Funniest... line... ever! I'm dying here! I can here Mark Steyn howling, too.

[stevie_d_64]

No kiddin’...This whole affair ought to be good...

I’m sure we’ll hear more about this visit...

[texan75010]

Is Ann so desparate she has to go to the wasteland of Canada? I didn’t think there were actual people up there...only French.

[FiddlePig]

"Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. "Reasonable limits" is just another code word for tyranny!

[ZOOKER]

Does everyone from America who's invited to speak at a Canadian college get this kind of warning, or just conservatives?

Maybe just Ann Coulter?