Hurtful Speech and Bill C-10

After a decade of court wrangling, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized that speech — even controversial or repugnant speech — has social value and should be protected from unjustified state intrusion.  The case confirms the importance of liberty and the liberty to say unpopular things, and that there is no right not to be offended.

How will this decision affect the federal government’s plan to enact laws it says are necessary to protect Canadians from ‘hurtful’ online comments and content — and which will require that platforms examine and assess all content, including encrypted content?

Join special guest Julius H. Grey, lead counsel who represented the defendant from the start of this odyssey, to explore the decision and how it might — or ought to — be reflected in online harms legislation.

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Time: Noon Eastern

Registration is now closed

About Julius H. Grey

Julius H. Grey is a renowned lawyer with more than 40 years of experience and practice in several areas of law. Educated at McGill and Oxford Universities, he was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1974.

Me Grey was a member of the Faculty of Law at McGill University from 1977 to 2002, and taught at the Université de Montréal and the Canadian Human Rights School in Charlottetown. He was president of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation from 1985 to 1988.

He is the author of numerous books and articles, has been a member of several boards of directors in cultural institutions, and has appeared before the Courts at all levels. Me Grey has pleaded the second most cases in the Supreme Court of Canada. He has gone to the highest court in the country more than 50 times!

In April 2004 Me Grey was awarded the Médaille du Barreau du Québec, which is the highest distinction a member can receive.

Earn CPD Credits

This program is approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) applicable toward PACC Professional Certification, and may be recognized for continuing legal educational requirements by Law Societies in Canada and beyond.

For Alberta lawyers, consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual Continuing Professional Development Plan as required by the Law Society of Alberta.