Mr. Speaker, freedom of expression is the foundation of every other freedom. Without it, we cannot challenge bad ideas, question authority or hold governments to account. We cannot protect truth. Freedom of expression is the oxygen of democracy. When governments decide to censor speech, they begin to control thought itself. This path does not lead to safety. Instead, it leads to silence, fear and eventually oppression.
In the last Parliament, the Liberals pushed Canada down that path. Bill C-18 banned news from social media. Bill C-11 manipulated what Canadians can see and say online, and Bill C-63, a bloated censorship regime, threatened to put in place an Internet czar and sweeping new powers to police speech.
The Liberals claim that they have changed, that this is a “new government”, but Canadians know better. The government does not trust Canadians. They do not trust Canadians to think independently, to speak freely or to make their own choices, but Conservatives on this side of the House will always protect free speech, always protect open debate and always stand for the rights and freedoms of Canadians. We are here to continue—