Trust in Freedom of Expression

We continue to witness controversial events in Nova Scotia, and across Canada, which raise questions about the extent to which we trust the freedom of expression.

Whether it is our individual freedom of speech, the freedom of expression of belief, the freedom of artistic representation, or the scholar's academic freedom, we seem to continue to question, restrain and limit those freedoms in the name of the public good.

Why are these freedoms considered 'good' and for what purposes should they be restricted? Under what conditions are we free to express ourselves? When must our freedoms be limited? On what basis are the boundaries of expression drawn? What are the dangers of uncritical acceptance of these limitations?

These questions and the controversies that surround them are neither passing fancy, nor the sole domain of the academic community. They have a profound impact on many aspects of our lives. How we deal with them can lead either to greater understanding or to greater intolerance.

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs and Saint Mary's University will challenge our assumptions and understanding of these fundamental freedoms in democratic society through a four-part discussion series aimed at generating new perspectives on the nature and level of our trust in the basic democratic freedoms to speak, to believe, to educate, and to represent ourselves creatively. more...

Part 1: Trust in Freedom of Speech:
What is Freedom of Speech Good For?

Thursday, October 11, 7:30-9:30 pm
McNally Theatre Auditorium, Saint Mary's University
Free Admission

Keynote: A. Alan Borovoy - General Counsel, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
Panelist: Ross Haynes, Q.C. - Lawyer, political and social commentator
Panelist: Bruce Wark - Inglis Professor of Journalism, University of King's College
Moderator: Lisa Taylor - Lawyer, Journalist and Professional Communicator

more...

Part 2: Trust in Academic Freedom:
Does Academic Freedom Serve Democracy?

Tuesday, October 23, 7:30-9:30 pm
McNally Theatre Auditorium, Saint Mary's University
Free Admission

Keynote: James Turk - Executive Director, Canadian Association of University Teachers.
Panelist: Dan Leger - Director of News Content, Halifax Chronicle Herald
Panelist: Wayne MacKay - Professor of Law, Dalhousie University
Moderator: Lisa Taylor - Lawyer, Journalist and Professional Communicator

more...

Part 3: Trust in Freedom of Artistic Expression:
Is Art Free?

Thursday, November 15, 7:30-9:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre, Saint Mary's University
Free Admission

Keynote: Robert Sirman - Director of the Canada Council for the Arts
Panelist: Kyle Shaw - Editor, The Coast
Panelist: Jackie Torrens - Nova Scotia Writer/Artist
Moderator: Lisa Taylor - Lawyer, Journalist and Professional Communicator

more...

Part 4: Trust in Freedom to Express Belief:
Where Does Belief Belong?

Tuesday, December 4, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre, Saint Mary's University
Free Admission

Keynote: Dr. Kathleen Skerrett - Professor of Religious Studies, Grinnell College, Iowa
Panelist: Dr. Mark Mercer - Associate Professor of Philosophy, Saint Mary's University
Panelist: Dr. Jamal Badawi - Professor Emeritus, St. Mary's University
Moderator: Lisa Taylor - Lawyer, Journalist and Professional Communicator

more...