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First Freedoms

Some books and a gavel
Icon of balances

"Justice Ivan Rand, in a 1953 Supreme Court of Canada case involving religious freedom in Quebec, described “freedom of speech, religion and the inviolability of the person” as “original freedoms which are at once the necessary attributes and modes of self-expression of human beings and the primary conditions of their community life within a legal order.” We refer to these “original freedoms” as “first freedoms” (with the view that freedom of religion is a subset of freedom of conscience). "

                   inherent | inalienable | foundational

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"These freedoms are inherent and inalienable. They exist prior to the state. They can be recognized (or violated) by governments but they are not created through legislation or constitutions.

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They are foundational. Other rights build on these freedoms. A functioning liberal democracy depends on free speech, freedom of conscience and religion, and respect for the inviolability of the person.

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Justice and civil peace rest on the equal dignity and freedom of every human being, regardless of status, ability, political affiliation, race, age, sexuality, or creed."

Their Story...

"Over the last decade, I have become increasingly concerned about the erosion of freedom in Canada, especially when it comes to matters of conscience. There is no longer a ‘live and let live’ mindset. Instead, everyone is under growing pressure to conform to the dominant secular worldview.

My convictions ultimately compelled me to leave my career in the charitable sector in order to help those whose freedoms are being violated.

The First Freedoms Foundation was incorporated in November 2021 to advance freedom in theory and practice. This includes publishing honest and open discussions, hosting events, and taking on legal challenges. As a non-profit rather than a charity, First Freedoms is also able to speak into the political sphere without compromise."

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Barry W. Bussey

Educational

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