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

[NativeNewYorker]

If a Vancouver Canucks fan says he hates the Rangers, is that actionable?

[TheNewPundit]

I think this guy needs an email from the Commandant of the Marine Corps advising him of actions the US military can take against any terrorist nation who holds a US citizen hostage.

[Las Vegas Ron]

Reasonable limits" is just another code word for tyranny!

Just like "reasonable" gun laws.

[Hillbillary]

What a cordial invitation! Don’t fall for the baited trap Ann, you may want to give Mark Steyn a call for lawyer (solicitor) advice if you do go.

[Kimberly GG]

Have they banned her books?

[buccaneer81]

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.

Watch it. They've made huge sacrifices on the battlefields of Afghanistan.

[B Knotts]

They had laws like this in the Weimar Republic.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

Our Annie does not back down under pressure--she doubles down! Expect more aggression, not less!

[Migraine]

If a Vancouver Canucks fan says he hates the Rangers, is that actionable?

I believe they just drop their gloves and try to pull each other's shirts over their heads. Then they share knuckle sandwiches. Very civilized, eh?

[Misterioso]

“hoard” s/b “horde”

[spyone]

Noted. Thank you!

[Syncro]

Yes, liked that line too

We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada-now shut up!

[Syncro]

Or maybe a whored of the looney left there?

[Syncro]

They have some interesting professors there

A part-time sociology professor at the University of Ottawa is claiming to be the victim of mistaken identity after French police indicated he was under investigation in connection with a Paris synagogue bombing 27 years ago.

Hassan Diab told Le Figaro, a French daily newspaper, that he has never been a member of a Palestinian organization or a political militant.

A sketch released by French police of the suspect in the Oct. 3, 1980, bombing that killed four people and left others injured is said by police to bear a resemblance to Diab. The explosives were hidden in saddlebags attached to a parked motorcycle.

SAME LAST NAME

Diab is a joint Canadian and Lebanese citizen who was born in Beirut in 1953. He told the French newspaper that his name is quite common and that it's not the first time he has been confused with someone else. He said during his employment at the American University of Beirut there were four other people with the same last name.

Diab currently teaches two sociology courses at the University of Ottawa. He did not return calls or e-mails yesterday.

Francois Houle, dean of social services at the University of Ottawa, didn't know Diab, who was was hired by the department to teach classes this semester.

Right Franny, we believe you.

[prairiebreeze]

There are many conservative, entrepreneurial people in Alberta who despise the frog socialists in Quebec.

[RichInOC]

Vice-Rector Houle:

I would inform you how repugnant your letter is to the spirit of free political speech and debate, not only in the United States, but in the realms that remained under the Crown, such as your own. However, as a professor of political science, it’s exceedingly unlikely that you don’t already know. Shame, sir.

Rich

[skeptoid]

They better hope the United States doesn't roll over one night and crush them. They are lucky we allow them to exist on the same continent.

(one of my faqvorite AC quotes)

[hosepipe]

Canada has Zero rights they have merely Privileges granted by their government.. such as it is..

They have rights granted by God as all do, BUT they HighJacked by their government...

** Maybe Ann Coulter will mention that..

[voicereason]

Actually, I don’t see anything sinister with this letter. It is just a mention of differences between Canadian and U.S. freedom of expression laws. There are a lot more important issues at hand than this...

[Regulator]

You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression

One more reason to consign the Canadian "nation" to the ash heap of history.

There are fewer people there then in the State of California, and they run a little totalitarian socialist state on our borders, and are currently importing a sizable population hostile to our nation and freedom.

Time to end that little vestige of the past, and open up the natural resources to the people who brought freedom of expression along with political liberty to the world.

35 million smug little commies don't really deserve to control that much soil.