Canadian writer and political activist Yves Engler (file photo)
Canada claims to champion democracy and free speech but increasingly suppresses these rights when it comes to Palestinian advocacy. Legal persecution, smear campaigns, and professional retaliation have silenced critics of Israel, affecting activists, students, academics, journalists, medical professionals, and other employees. This growing repression raises urgent concerns about selective enforcement of free speech.
The Criminalization of Dissent
Montreal-based activist Yves Engler, a vocal critic of Canada's support for Israel, was arrested and charged with harassment after criticizing pro-Israel commentator Dahlia Kurtz online. Despite the absence of threats, legal action was pursued following intervention by a Conservative politician. Engler was jailed for five days, and authorities attempted to impose a gag order, reflecting a broader pattern of using the law to intimidate critics.
British Columbia Senator Yuen Pau Woo also faced backlash for defending free speech, with pro-Israel groups accusing him of "inciting hate." Kurtz filed a complaint against Woo for his support of Engler, demonstrating how even elected officials face consequences for supporting Palestinian advocacy.
Targeting Professionals and Employees
Medical professionals have been heavily targeted. Dr. Yipeng Ge, a resident physician at the University of Ottawa, was suspended for criticizing Israel’s policies and later resigned due to institutional pressure. Dr. Ben Thomson, a nephrologist, was suspended for similar reasons, later facing doxxing and harassment. He is now suing for defamation and workplace discrimination.
Beyond medicine, journalists, educators, and corporate employees have faced termination or blacklisting for pro-Palestinian speech. The fear of being labeled antisemitic has forced many to self-censor, limiting meaningful debate on Israel-Palestine.
Universities as Repression Hubs
At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), over 70 law students who signed an open letter condemning Israeli human rights violations were blacklisted by law firms, screened by the Ontario Attorney General, and threatened with career repercussions. A review later confirmed their statements were legally protected, yet the reputational damage persists.
Meanwhile, student-led encampments calling for divestment from Israeli-linked corporations have faced crackdowns. At the University of Toronto (U of T), a court upheld the university’s right to remove a protest encampment despite acknowledging its peaceful nature. The University of Waterloo escalated further, suing its own students for $1.5 million, marking a dangerous precedent for campus activism.
A Dangerous Trend for Free Speech
The arrest of Palestinian-Canadian activist Wesam Khaled for chanting "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" in Calgary—despite the later dismissal of charges—signals a broader suppression of speech. Academics, journalists, healthcare professionals, and other employees continue to face blacklisting and professional consequences for expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
The Future of Free Speech in Canada
Engler, Dattani, Woo, medical professionals, employees, and student activists exemplify Canada’s fragile commitment to free speech. The government’s selective enforcement of free expression raises urgent questions: Will Canadians defend free speech, or will they allow dissent to be criminalized under the guise of combating extremism? If current trends continue, free speech in Canada may become a privilege rather than a right.
(Faisal Kutty is a Toronto/Los Angeles-based lawyer, law professor, and regular contributor to The Toronto Star. His articles also appear in Newsweek, Aljazeera, Zeteo, and Middle East Eye. You can follow him on X @faisalkutty)
