Protecting the right to protest and the ‘Palestine exception’

*Audio of pro-Palestine demonstration at the Vancouver Art Gallery on March 18, 2025*

The Freedom of peaceful assembly – or, in other words, to protest – and the freedom of association are among the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

Protest has been a vital aspect of Canada’s democracy and social fabric since the country's formation, playing a key role in advancing Indigenous rights, environmental causes, 2SLGBTQ+ and feminist issues, and labour rights. 

This past week alone, people in various cities across the country came together to protest against the threats to Canadian sovereignty made by US President Donald Trump. 

And sure, we might not all agree with every protest which happens in our cities and communities (the Freedom Convoy of 2022 comes to mind). But as stated in our Charter, as long as the protests do not include hate speech, become violent, incite violence, or pose a danger to public safety, we have decided – as a country – that the right to protest is more important than agreeing with every protest that is organized. 

It is crucial that we are able to express our opinions, criticize our governments and institutions, and participate in public discourse. 

Which is why the City of Toronto’s recent survey and proposed bylaw about demonstrations near vulnerable institutions is sounding some alarm bells. 

This week on rabble radio, Jack Layton Journalism for Change fellow Ashleigh-Rae Thomas sits down with Samira Mohyeddin to talk about what this bylaw is and why it is being considered, why the right to protest is so important, and the “Palestine exception.” 

About our guest 

Samira Mohyeddin is an award winning journalist and producer. For nearly ten years she was a producer and host at CBC Radio and CBC Podcasts. She resigned in November of 2023 and founded On The Line Media. Samira has a Master of Arts in Modern Middle Eastern History and Gender from the University of Toronto and Genocide Studies from the Zoryan Institute. She is currently working on a documentary about the People's Circle for Palestine student encampment at the University of Toronto.

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*Audio courtesy of Jase Tanner.