Rights and freedoms in Canadian Charter are not absolute, says reader

To the Editor:
RE: “Grey-Bruce Freedom Fighters draw crowd to Victoria Park, Kincardine”

I read with interest the story on the anti-vaccination rally in Victoria Park, Kincardine. Much mention by the proponents of anti-vaccination, was that our freedoms and rights were being taken away. Well, that’s not true, but perhaps not the way you think.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as part of the Canadian Constitution, does not grant absolute freedoms; in fact, it states the complete opposite. Of note: A lower section number gives it a precedent number, meaning that it legally sits higher than sections below it.

Section 1 states: 1. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it, subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

The Charter protects those basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians that are considered essential to preserving Canada as a free and democratic country. It applies to all governments – federal, provincial and territorial – and includes protection of the following:
 

• Fundamental freedoms, democratic rights
• The right to live and seek employment anywhere in Canada
• Legal rights (life, liberty and personal security)
• Equality rights for all
• The official languages of Canada
• Minority language education rights
• Canada's multicultural heritage
• Indigenous people’s rights

The rights and freedoms in the Charter are not absolute. They can be limited to protect other rights or important national values. For example, freedom of expression may be limited by laws against hate propaganda or child pornography.

Note from the above section: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it, subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. And the rights and freedoms in the Charter are not absolute. They can be limited to protect other rights or important national values. For example, freedom of expression may be limited by laws against hate propaganda or child pornography.

That’s the first and important part of this. Your rights are not absolute. Legally, the government can, and will, do what is required to stabilize the country, for the benefit of the majority. Those previously-elected officials, who stood up at this rally, should have known this and, if not, it shows you how little they know about the laws of this great country. I have a feeling this is electioneering at its worst.

Regarding vaccinations, I strongly believe we have eliminated many awful diseases from this country, and indeed the world, through vaccinations. It is this science that has allowed my children and grandchildren to grow up not knowing the evils of small pox and polio, which was still an issue when I grew up.

Is this a new vaccine? Absolutely; however, after reading all the science, you decide you are not getting it because “you just don’t want to get it,” then I have an issue with that. Put your adult clothes on.

As for vaccine passports, sorry, but I believe that we, as a society, have to protect our vulnerable people and, indirectly, our health-care system. Limiting access to areas of higher risk of infection, to those who are vaccinated, helps the health-care system. If you’re not vaccinated, stay in your house, or do something that does not affect others.

Our hospitals must be the modern version of fortresses. They must have multiple defensive layers, reaching far into the community, so that they are always ready to provide sanctuary and relief to those who need it.

Even if you are unvaccinated and you get sick, I believe you should be treated as best as possible in our hospitals, but please think about how selfish you are being right now, and how you may burden our fragile, untiring, unwavering, dedicated health-care people and system. They are under constant attack and you are part of the problem, not part of the solution. You have a responsibility to others, whether you see that or not.

Sandy Donald
Kincardine

P.S.: Stay away from my grandkids.