Canada’s Democracy at Risk -The Fight to Protect Free Speech from Tyranny

Canada’s Democracy at Risk -The Fight to Protect Free Speech from Tyranny By Lisa Robinson Canadians are standing at a crossroads, a moment in history where the very essence of freedom is at stake. The right to speak freely, to express our beliefs, and to stand for what we know is right—these are the rights that define us as individuals and as a nation. Yet, today, those rights are being systematically attacked. What we are witnessing is not just a political skirmish. It is the slow dismantling of democracy, brick by brick. Make no mistake—what is happening to me is only a symptom of a much deeper issue. As an Elected Councillor, I have a duty to speak for the people I represent. But instead of being allowed to do my job, I’ve been sanctioned, had my pay withheld, and been silenced—all for daring to speak truth to power. And I am not alone. Across cities, municipalities, and even school boards, those who refuse to fall in line with the prevailing narrative are being punished. The Integrity Commissioner, once a tool of accountability, has been twisted into a weapon of control. The aim is clear: to suppress dissent and silence anyone who challenges the status quo. But this is about far more than just me. This is about all of us, about every single person who believes that democracy is more than just a word on paper. It’s about the fundamental belief that we, the people, have the right to question, to criticize, and to express our views without fear of retribution. What we are seeing now is the creeping hand of authoritarianism, cloaked in the language of ‘fairness’ and ‘order,’ but make no mistake—it is an assault on freedom itself. Today, it’s happening in Pickering, but tomorrow it will be happening in your town, in your school, in your workplace. This isn’t a local issue - it’s a national crisis. And if we don’t stop it now, this wave of censorship and control will only grow stronger. It’s already happening in school boards, where parents and students are being silenced. It’s happening in city councils across the country, where elected officials are muzzled for daring to speak their minds. It’s happening in Canada, and it’s happening all over the world. This is not just my fight—this is our fight. Because when one of us is silenced, all of us are silenced. When one voice is muted, it sends a chilling message to every other citizen: fall in line or face the consequences. That is not democracy. That is tyranny. And it is up to us, to every one of you listening, to say “enough.” But we can’t do it alone. To stop this erosion of our freedoms, we need your help. The lawyers fighting this battle aren’t just fighting for me—they are fighting for every Canadian who believes in freedom of expression. They are fighting for you. But they need support to keep this battle going. This isn’t just about saving one person’s job or reputation. This is about saving our democracy. We are at a turning point. If we do not push back, if we allow these authoritarian measures to take root, then the Canada we know and love will cease to exist. We will become a country where only those who toe the line are allowed to speak, where dissent is silenced, and where the people live in fear of expressing their true beliefs. Is that the future we want? I don’t believe it is. I believe we are stronger than that, that we believe in the power of free speech, of open debate, and of democracy. But we must act now, before it’s too late. This is our moment. Will you stand with us? Will you fight for the rights that so many before us fought to protect? Will you ensure that future generations inherit a country where freedom is not just a dream, but a reality? I ask you today—not just for me, but for all of us—support this fight. Help us defend democracy before it’s too late. Your voice, and your support can make the difference. Together, we can stop this wave of censorship and restore the rights that belong to every Canadian. This is the battle of our time. Let’s make sure we win it—together.