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Never has freedom of speech been so vulnerable in Canada, but I will be privileged to take personal inspiration and hope for change on this front at three events on my spring calendar.

On April 26 in Montreal, as chair of the committee that is mounting the event, I will be introducing Jordan Peterson, keynote speaker for the Montreal Press Club’s inaugural freedom award ceremony, honouring courage in journalism. Our recipient is Raif Badawi, the famous blogger tortured and imprisoned for voicing opinions frowned upon by the Saudi regime.

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Raif’s wife and tireless advocate, Ensaf Haidar, a permanent Canadian resident who lives in nearby Sherbrooke with their children, will accept the award on his behalf. Since the Saudis are eager to curry favour in the West for support in their ongoing standoff with Iran, now would be an excellent time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to re-petition for Badawi’s release. Efforts have been rebuffed in the past, but as events and alliances shift, it cannot hurt to try again. How wonderful would it be if Raif could accept the award in person?