Human Rights Internet Investigator on Freedom of Speech: "...I don't give it any value."

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Human Rights Internet Investigator on Freedom of Speech: "...I don't give it any value."

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Does the Canadian Human Rights Commission value free speech?  A chilling answer was given by Dean Steacy, the primary internet "anti-hate" investigator for the Canadian Human Rights Commission, when questioned by Barbara Kulaszka, a lawyer for a website owner in the human rights case Warman vs. Lemire.

MS KULASZKA: Mr. Steacy, you were talking before about context and how important it is when you do your investigation. What value do you give freedom of speech when you investigate one of these complaints?

MR. STEACY: Freedom of speech is an American concept, so I don't give it any value.

MS KULASZKA: Okay. That was a clear answer.

MR. STEACY: "It's not my job to give value to an American concept."

There are concerns amongst Canadians, as expressed by dag, a Vancouver blogger who wrote "What Price Free Speech?" at No Dhimmitude, that investigators such as Steacy have been granted the power by the Canadian state to, " 'cleanse' the Internet of critical opinions, ideas, and speech they don't like. And unfortunately for Canadians, they have the authority to assess fines of up to $50,000 and incarcerate would-be 'haters.' "