Defense of free speech took center stage as Rumble, the Canadian video platform, held its inaugural live event in Toronto on Saturday, May 10th in the Downsview Park area of North York. Co-hosted by Rebel News and its founder, Ezra Levant, the event served as a rallying cry against governmental censorship in light of the controversial Bill C-63 proposed by Trudeau’s government.
The May 10th event featured a dynamic lineup, with live editions of four exclusive Rumble shows including Triggered, hosted by Donald Trump, Jr., and System Update, hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald.
Canadian lawyer Viva Frei, known for his live streaming during the Freedom Convoy, also hosted a show to amplify the voices of those advocating for freedom of expression.
At the heart of the event was a staunch commitment to free speech. Chris Pavlovski, founder of Rumble, emphasized the platform’s dedication to upholding human rights, citing Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights as a guiding principle. Pavlovski condemned Bill C-63, arguing that it violates fundamental freedoms by criminalizing online speech deemed as “hate speech” without providing a clear definition.
Pavlovski’s concerns are shared by civil liberties groups like The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Constitution Foundation, who warn of the erosion of free expression in Canada under the proposed legislation. He stressed the dangers of incentivizing citizens to report each other for online speech, a practice he believes undermines democratic principles.
Partnering with Rebel News for the event was a natural choice for Rumble, according to Levant. Both organizations share a commitment to championing free speech, making them allies in the fight against censorship. Levant emphasized the significance of the event, not just as a statement against Bill C-63, but as a celebration of the vital role free speech plays in society.
The following day, Rebel News held its own live event at the same venue featuring luminaries from the organization as well as conservative influencers.
As the battle for free speech wages on, Rumble and Rebel News’ live events focused attention on the importance of protecting fundamental rights in the digital age.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca