COVID
A Needed Conversation about Religious Persecution in Canada
“The lessons of July 1, 1535, are relevant to the project that the Fathers of Confederation began here on July 1, 1867. Representative democracy, our heritage of liberty and the rule of law—all this depends upon a correct understanding of the proper spheres of authority and the limited competencies of state authority. Saint Thomas More suffered martyrdom because he insisted that there was a limit to the King’s lawful authority, namely that he had to respect the freedom of the…
Emergencies Act Abuse
In a landmark decision, a federal court determined that the Canadian government’s use of the Emergencies Act (formerly known as the War Measures Act) was unconstitutional. The Act gives the federal government extraordinary power to handle national emergencies. The judge determined the use of the Act to end the trucker convoy was ultra vires (“beyond the powers”), or quite simply, illegal.[1] The truckers were protesting the government’s abuse of power, and now a federal judge has ruled that the government…
Not Guilty!
After a trial on September 15, 2021 where I took the stand to make my defense on two counts of violating the Chief Medical Officer’s COVID health orders, the written decision was given yesterday by the judge. In short, the judge found me not guilty. Here is a legal summary of all tickets/charges so far for me and the church: 3 PHA violations for failing to wear a mask—all withdrawn. 2 PHA violations for exceeding capacity limit—both withdrawn. 2 PHA…
Trial Update
Yesterday marked the first time that I had the chance to testify before a judge on matters related to the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions. Up to this point, two charges (one contempt of court and one criminal charge for breaking a court order) that sent me to jail twice for a combined stay of 21 days were withdrawn. Besides these charges, six public health act violations were levied against me and one against the church. The church matter will be…
Affidavit on COVID Mandates
It was one year ago today that I was arrested a second time and jailed for 18 days for failing to comply with provincial COVID restrictions. Legal matters are still being sorted, but I wanted to share a summary argument that sets forth the Scriptural justification for how we handled COVID. I drafted the following document for my appearance in court to answer charges and fines levied against me and our church. It seeks to make clear why we were…
The Emergencies Act and our Hopeful Endurance
This week our Prime Minister made an historic decision to invoke the Emergencies Act which is designed to give the government power to quickly handle matters of national security. The Act will give the government and police extended powers and also grant them the ability to direct financial institutions to freeze accounts they believe are a threat to national security. While it seems that all provinces are quickly moving away from COVID mandates, the federal government clings to its stance…
Good News for Truckers (and other lovers of freedom)
The following is example of sharing the gospel with those who love freedom but do not yet love Jesus. May it encourage you to be faithful in caring for the oppressed and needy, while offering the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. The Desire For Freedom You want freedom. You value freedom. You are willing to fight for freedom. We both know this is not a freedom to hate or do wrong, but a responsible-freedom to visit loved ones,…
The People are Crying (and the Way Out)
The People are Crying The events of the past week have brought international attention to working class Canadians who have been burdened beyond their breaking point by two years of government-imposed restrictions. Blue collar workers, ignited by a convoy of truckers, have cried out for freedom in their distress. This desire for freedom is part of God’s design and firmly planted in every human soul. This freedom is not an anything-goes-just-don’t-hurt-anybody-libertarian-freedom. This is a freedom to plant crops, reap a…
Pastoral Reflections on the Freedom Convoy
The following video offers pastoral reflections on the Freedom Convoy and the protesting of COVID mandates that have affected so many people over the past two years. Some Christians have too much hope in the result of this protest and others think it sinful. Here are a few points to consider. 1) “Protestant” Christians shouldn’t be immediately repulsed by protest. 2) Supporting freedom, whether for informed consent or the livelihoods (i.e., lives), is loving your neighbor. 3) Standing for truth…
A Note to the Premier: End the Injustice
Hello Family, I’ve just sent this email along to our local MLAs, the Premier, and Health Minister. I’ve asked for opportunities to speak on the phone prior to this and such requests have so far been ignored. I would encourage you to write or call your MLA and press upon them the urgency of their harmful policies that are affecting the people of our community and beyond. At the same time, let us cry to the Lord for help in…
A Plea for Justice
This letter is intended for the members of the legislature in Alberta. It is a plea for you to pursue justice in our province. The Task Before You Alberta’s more than 4 million citizens are represented by just 87 members of the legislative assembly. As such, you represent a large and diverse group of people and are entrusted with an important stewardship. Your priority, higher than infrastructure, budgets, regulations, and public services is to protect the rights of the people…
The Stigma of Sickness
There is a stigma associated with sickness today. Our society has been altered in terms of how we regard the sick and how we deal with sickness when it visits us. Attitudes toward the sick include blaming and shaming them for not being more careful. Out of fear of getting sick ourselves, we divide and isolate from the sick rather than show compassion and care for their needs. We judge them as morally inferior. They must have made a bad…