Share this story:

Professor Offers a Practical Roadmap Against the Silencing of Democracy



Frontier Centre for Public Policy

Renowned Professor Bryan Schwartz provides Legislative Program Forward to Restore Basic Freedoms

WINNIPEG – TheNewswire - Nov. 14, 2023

In a new Frontier Centre book, “Re-Enlightening Canada- A Legislative Program for Promoting Open, Democratic and Rational Policymaking,” Professor Bryan Schwartz provides a concrete legislative program for re-establishing the best in the Enlightenment political tradition in Canada. These values include freedom of expression, respect for diversity of opinion, scientific rationality and respect for the equality of all individuals rather than acting on the basis of group identity and stereotypes.

Schwartz observes that free speech, once a cornerstone of Canadian society, is no longer assured, as citizens who dare to challenge the established norms encounter severe repercussions.

The erosion of fundamental free speech rights and the incessant mantra of “Trust the Science” have collectively fostered an oppressive atmosphere that hinders open discussions. We live in a stark and concerning world where inconvenient questions face stifling, impeding intellectual progress. In today’s landscape, the pervasive dominance of the “woke” agenda obstructs dissent and discourages comprehensive discourse, exemplified by, for example, the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic or the climate emergency narrative.

Within the pages of his book, Schwartz offers practical and thoughtful solutions, urging governments to cultivate an environment conducive to open dialogue. Drawing from his extensive four-decade career, he transcends political affiliations, concentrating solely on enhancing governmental decision-making.

“Re-enlightening Canada” navigates crucial subjects such as freedom of speech, human rights, education, environmental policy, and more, ensuring that complex issues resonate with the average reader. Schwartz offers elected decision-makers and the general public a practical “how-to” legislative roadmap that will appeal to reasonable people across the political spectrum. It proposes how people of good faith in democracies can “reason together.” It is intended to be a moderate and practical response to the ideological excesses of our time.

Readers of books such as David Bernstein’s “Woke Antisemitism” and John McWhorter’s “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America” will find in “Re-Enlightening Canada” a measured and practical program for reform. It aims to not only recognize the profound political challenges of our time but to set out an achievable way forward.

Contact

David Leis
VP Development and Engagement
david.leis@fcpp.org
604-864-1275

About the Author: Bryan Schwartz is an Asper Professor of International Business and Trade Law at the University of Manitoba and counsel at Pitblado Law firm. He has adjudicated international and interprovincial trade disputes and served as a labour law arbitrator. Bryan is also a trained mediator. His wide-ranging practice includes Indigenous Law (including specific claims), cyber-security, appellate advocacy, and legal research, among other fields.

About the Frontier Centre for Public Policy

The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent, non-partisan think tank that conducts research and analysis on a wide range of public policy issues. Committed to promoting economic freedom, individual liberty, and responsible governance, the Centre aims to contribute to informed public debates and shape effective policies that benefit Canadians.

[High-resolution images of the book cover and the author can be provided upon request.]