Because it's Canada; but our own rulers are doing it too, just more creatively
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Canadian Parliament Considering Outlawing Speech About Fossil Fuels
One Charlie Angus, a New Democratic Party member of the House of Commons from Timmins–James Bay in Ontario, has brought before that chamber Bill C-372. It clearly states that “it is prohibited for a person to promote a fossil fuel, a fossil fuel-related brand element or the production of a fossil fuel except as authorized by the provisions of this Act or of the regulations.”
Under the legislation, it is further “prohibited for a person to promote a fossil fuel or the production of a fossil fuel … in a manner that states or suggests that a fossil fuel or the practices of a producer or of the fossil fuel industry would lead to positive outcomes in relation to the environment, the health of Canadians, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples or the Canadian or global economy; or … by using terms, expressions, logos, symbols or illustrations that are prohibited by the regulations.”
And the punishments involved in this proposed legislation aren't anything to sneeze at:
If we read the Canadian version of English correctly, merely pointing out the indisputable fact that civilization would break down without fossil fuels would be a lawbreaking offense. So would arguing that vehicles with internal combustion engines are better for the environment than trendy electric vehicles, or pointing out that natural gas is a cheaper, more reliable source of energy than wind and solar.
The punishment depends on which provisions are violated, with the most punitive corrective measures being $1.5 million fines and two-year prison terms.
Canada, of course, has its origins in the British Empire, and European (Western) law has at least paid lip service to free speech since the Magna Carta. While Canada lacks our explicit First Amendment, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in Section 2(b), states:
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
b. freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.
In other words: Don't think for a moment they won't try it here, because they already are, but here in the Land of the Free, our masters get around that pesky First Amendment by teaming up with corporations and billionaires and having them do the dirty work for them. That process is ongoing with Google and its co-conspirators demonetizing conservative web sites like PJ Media, suppressing and banning news stories, etc. And that process is accelerating as the election heats up:
