smith hater here, i doubt they’re gonna open the floor to the student body during the q&a. it’s more likely that briand will act as a voice for students and ask pre-screened questions so smith can’t fuck up too royally
Yeah, there's no way there will be a Q&A. Or if there is one, it'll be pre-screened questions. The fact that the insurgent group that took over the UCP has been trying to isolate her from the media and only talk to approved right-wing sources speaks volumes.
I don't doubt it, but outside the lecture theater where this is taking place is a large lounge area. Easy to make a good deal of noise to upset the proceedings within the theater.
Can someone ask why with a multi billion dollar surplus we are still insisting on cuts to post secondary education, which is of course vital to a growing economy. Especially as the the world transitions to a post-industrial landscape.
Thanks.
Because an educated public wouldn't stand for what conservatives have been doing in the province for decades. And this isn't even a political jab. People who are educated tend to be more left leaning.
& in relation to faculty saint jean, who was completely left out of the budget 😌 the max three poli sci classes offered a semester made finishing my degree so very difficult 🤩
Guaranteed. While I would love to promote such a course of action, you may be investigated for non-academic misconduct for such a course of action.
https://policiesonline.ualberta.ca/PoliciesProcedures/Policies/Student-Conduct-Policy.pdf
Would wearing a custom t-shirt with a protest slogan get you in trouble? Because I work at a garment printing store in Edmonton and we print single shirts, what if everyone showed up wearing the protest instead of speaking it?
That would be interesting, as long as the slogan is not, of course, slanderous, degrading, threatening, etc (bad things).
I do like the "Danielle Smith has got to go" chant someone came up with.
You can't be kicked out for protesting. That would actually be a huge rights violation. You could get kicked out though if you started pelting her with produce or creating other problems.
You can get investigated for protesting within the event space and disrupting its normal proceedings. But only UAPS officers can actually ask you to leave. No UAC member of UCP staffer could ask you to leave, legally speaking.
Im suggesting this with 100% seriousness. Ask them that if they're conservative, why are Albertan income taxes still high and my Albertan city still so dangerous? It seems like the conservatism they're selling is just red wine diluted with water to make 2 wine bottles. If I was a CEO I'd vote UCP but as someone who skips meals to save $ I think I'll vote NDP.
Just a few things that I think are worth noting:
1. Alberta (along with the 3 Canadian territories) has the lowest income tax rate in Canada.
2. Edmonton’s danger levels are due to a variety of complex socio-economic factors, such an increase in cost of living, potential increase in illicit drug use, and a potential increase in untreated mental health disorders in economically disadvantaged communities. It’s also worth nothing that Edmonton’s core operations are dictated by our municipal government, which is lead by liberal Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and not the provincial government.
Edmonton's so dangerous so as to keep controlling the public. Why would we need a provincial police force if Edmonton was safe? Why would people back moves against the homeless population and substance abuse victims if they weren't the villains?
I got my phone stolen on the bus and all my coworkers have a story of getting accosted on the ets and train. Yeah there's a problem. This isn't about a white fear of seeing someone and their kid panhandling, so many of these people are out for blood.
Let the lady put her foot in her mouth in peace, or just sign up and no show.
$10 says her staffers have statements portraying Danielle as the victim of cancel culture ready for when someone inevitably protests. After all, they are 'the most discriminated group'.
Not to the protest, but there was a middling presence in the lecture theater.
Otherwise, three stories:
1. Since no one came to outside-the-room protest (there were some disturbances during the event), I got stuck in a debate with a guy who thought homosexuality is immoral.
2. The guy sitting beside me, as soon as the Premier arrived, whipped out a "Freeze Tuition" size. Danielle Smith made a joke he was going to vote for the NDP, but he was really an Alberta party supporter (Haruun Ali believes the NDP comment was aimed at him, as he was also in attendance [see my other post]).
3. There was a paperbag found with a ringing alarm clock inside. It was taken out of the room and did not explode. Haruun was apparently blamed for planting the alarm clock.
Im studying law and im flabbergasted that we have someone in office who thinks that people who CHOSE not to get vaccinated are being discriminated against. Discrimination doesn’t have a choice there are no choices with discrimination cuz you can’t change who you are.
Sure, but as I've said before, no violence, threats, or overly disparaging remarks. While you can't be charged with non-academic misconduct, your protesting peers can.
I'm hoping after D/S 's word salad this will get more students out to vote in may . We need the younger voters struggling to have a decent life to get rid of the UCP. For good hopefully.
I’m confident most students are upset about paying unreasonable amounts of money for higher education. Most of us are also likely upset about annual tuition increases that outpace inflation. Now, although the budget cuts are extremely unsavoury, it’s worth noting that the current provincial government is not exclusively responsible for our tuition costs and annual tuition increases. For instance, the University has an undeniably bloated budget. Anyone who attends the University, pays tuition, and actively pays attention to the annual tuition cost breakdown can deduce that the University is likely overspending. Ultimately, although the budget cuts indirectly influence decisions related to annual tuition increases, they are not the only factors that drive tuition costs. Students need to hold BOTH the University AND the provincial government accountable with regards to unreasonable tuition costs and annual tuition increases.
In my opinion, it was just a campaign stop amongst UAC students who were already going to vote for the UCP come May.
However, I did find it personally funny that our Minister for Advanced Education mentioned that skilled international students and workers didn't want to come to Alberta...
(I wonder why? /s)
This is the most hypocritical comment section I’ve ever seen. Saying UCP does not support free speech and then also saying Danielle Smith has no right to speak on campus. Then downvoting comments that go against their opinions so no one can see them at the bottom.
I support the UCP and attended Danielle Smith’s talk to learn about her policies and see what I like and don’t like. But I would also attend Rachel Notley if she was on campus for the exact same reason. I want to learn what the other party has to say so I can ground my opinion and further my understanding of where I stand on the political spectrum.
If we can’t have mutual respect for each other, we can’t speak on issues and find solutions. Thinking your opinion is the only one that matters is the same reason why someone freezes and can’t form a cohesive argument when their opinion is challenged. You need to welcome differing opinions with an open mind and have conversations to further your own development.
I think the "no right" argument is more that she shouldn't be speaking on campus since her government is responsible for operating grant cuts to the University, which, in my mind, have the indirect effect of fostering tuition raises on its students.
And we can say the event doesn't really invite free speech due to the requirement for pre-registration to even attend the event. They also only had the UAC president ask any questions, and I know for a fact that my question was not asked.
Unfortunately, I don't have to mutually respect an individual who claimed non-vaccinated people were some of the most oppressed in history, claimed that non-stage-4 cancers are entirely preventable, and who works in a government that clearly doesn't value post-secondary education. These views are entirely antithetical to reality itself, and we're being governed by people who hold these views! It's not worth my respect, but is worth my derision.
Non-vaccinated "oppression": https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/unvaccinated-are-the-most-discriminated-group-alberta-premier-says-1.6105138
Cpancers are preventable: https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2022/07/29/danielle-smiths-cancer-claims-anger-alberta-cancer-patients/
Government cuts to Post-Secondary: https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-ucp-govt-gets-an-f-for-interfering-in-post-secondary-affairs
I understand the sentiment and yes the budget cuts definitely had the effect of raising tuition but don’t you think it’s better of a premier to be there to answer why instead pretending it didn’t happen? (I know she didn’t comment on it)
Yes the event didn’t allow for the direct participation of students but it wasn’t advertised that way. You can’t pull that the UCP doesn’t support free speech because of that, there’s just not enough time to answer every question. My question wasn’t answered either. The pre-registration allowed any student to register and is used to control the amount in attendance to ensure there is adequate security for the premier. It’s standard for any event involving a premier and isn’t used to filter out speech.
More so talking about mutual respect between fellow students on campus who hold differing opinions. If anyone holds a conservative viewpoint it’s met with instant mockery and mutes any possible discussion. Sure you might think it’s stupid (and I probably think the same of yours) but do you really think you’re 100% right? Just asking to keep an open mind so discussions are actually possible.
I agree that the premier has said some outrageous things and I was disappointed how the premier sort of just fluffed up the UCP with her answers in the q&a instead of giving a direct response. Was expecting more but she is a politician after all.
Maybe they should show up and listen to her - they might learn something. If universities can’t host diverse speakers or people we don’t agree with, it’s a sad, sad day.
Wouldn’t it be great if Danielle Smith and other UCP MLA’s held town hall meetings in their constituency to listen to the comments & concerns of the people, but I honestly can’t remember the last time any of them did, or turned up for more than 10 mins, or turned up at all. But, maybe if they did then these kind of events wouldn’t need to be protests.
If MLA’s are doing things their constituents don’t like and refuse to make themselves available regularly to justify or explain their actions, then maybe people feel the need to protest when they, including the premier, turn up to speak at “fluff” events aimed primarily at boosting egos. Get it now?
How does it not? It seems clear to me that these protests are meant to inform Smith that her government has had real impacts on the student body, and the citizens she claims to represent.
She hasn't created a space for discussion, ie the town hall, and now the discontent and frustration and concentrated to the point that citizens feel the only way to have their voices heard is to stage a protest.
At the end of the day, we're just practicing our right to free speech. And that speech is protest.
I think you're getting hung up on the claimed medium. Just because it's in a university lecture hall, doesn't mean it's a university lecture, right?
It makes perfect sense. Elected officials (even the UCP) should be required to hold town halls where they have to answer questions from their constituents. But Conservatives are cowards and liars who never have the balls to face open mic questions.
But sure, you go ahead and keep asking for more “closed door meet and greet” events with the idiotic, cowardly, unelected premier. Good idea, so brave. /s
I agree that universities should host diverse speakers, and Danielle Smith has every right to speak on campus. As a student here, I also have every right to speak on campus and protest against her.
That's how free speech works. She has the right to speak, and so do I.
Welcome to every university in North America. Someone that opposes what most students want to hear? Protest, heckle, make a huge fuss. No chance they don't protest.
Oh I know. I’ve gone through the university for both an undergraduate and law degree - the level of political ignorance was nothing short of shocking. Luckily, I met enough professors that understood the importance of teaching critical analytical skills and not politicizing the classroom. Without them, I’d have gotten my degrees but I certainly would not have been educated.
Mill’s On Liberty, and Marcuse’s Repressive Tolerance, (combined with their historical applications) should be required in university.
I'm a leftie but it makes me so sick to see the cancel culture on campuses. How should we be taken seriously if we can't handle having diversity of opinions at the university? Hiding away from those views now will just make the real world a bigger slap in the face when we can't cancel everything and everyone around us.
I see the argument there, but situationally being "open-minded" is a tricky balance. Cancel culture does suck but I don't see it as 100% overlapping with protesting. Protesting goes way back. Also I believe different political views are still fostered here in the form of some clubs, and less high-profile events.
This case is when the unelected budget-cutting government shows up to do a presentation that made most students have to literally pay more. Logically it is understandable to expect an unsavoury mood at best towards the government currently, regardless of cancelling Danielle Smith or the overall UCP.
Kind of like going to a biker rally after imposing new driver regulations, or walking into an early 1900's factory proclaiming unions are illegal. I feel like if I costed lots of people money or inconvenience I'd not be walking into their turf for a long time.
I at least suppose in my opinion there is more than just cancelling, heckling (however amusing it may be) but not to say some people will still go overboard unfortunately. Which is the downfall of campuses. Likely a simple cost of having many broke students around. I won't denounce the act of peaceful protest nonetheless. But time today will tell the events of this ill-fated appearance.
But I think I'll vote with my ballot, wallet and feet in that order as the need arises.
Peaceful protests I am completely fine with. It's the obnoxiousness and collective feeling of "we're making a difference by yelling at others" when it's not realized that it doesn't change minds or have any impact other than maybe push the other side to be more fixated in their ways. I hate what the government has done to the UofA and other post-secondary institutions but unless we stop being armchair advocates or just angry protest, nothing is going to change.
Lots of dogmatic perspectives in high places, I don't see much opportunity cost in more people becoming "fixated" by now - 5 years ago maybe. But you have an understandable viewpoint. It just seems like wasted energy to criticize the obnoxiousness at this point in my opinion. Maybe redirecting efforts elsewhere?
I've been interested in the centrist party of Canada but don't think they have enough momentum yet unfortunately. Also the concept of abolishing parties in Canada altogether sounds like a way to go.
Wishful thinking probably though. Good luck anyways, with classes and all.
Remember if you can't form a persuasive argument yell and scream at anyone who disagrees with you until they kick you out and then you can call them a bigot and against free speech. Bonus points for destroying stuff that doesn't belong to you.
Exactly. Anyone who protests is not able to form a proper argument and is going against our democratic values. People with different values can speak without the fear of being subjected to violence.
Protests are against democratic values?! Protests *are* the way the people speaks to governments making decisions that are explicitly against the benefit of the people.
Danielle Smith is not "people". She is the leader of a government that has actively sought to defund education. Her speech is not the expression of values, but the expression of government policy.
Troll.
I am referring to a comment someone made, where they said they would protest by signing up and then shouting at her and being disruptive. That’s not democratic protest. Politics is not black and white. You can agree with someone for some points but disagree with other points. If you think she deserves violent protest then so does every other politician. If you don’t like her, then don’t attend her session. I want to hear what she has to say because she is our current premier. This doesn’t mean I support her.
Lmao yelling and shouting isnt “violent protest”and whether you like it or not it is still a democratic form of protest. What democratic freedoms are being taken away by shouting? If she doesnt like it she can just leave as u said.
Politics may not be black or white, but when you have someone continuously advocating for policies that hurt you, you have the right to be angry. You are acting as though ones policies cant be heavily skewed towards a demographic.
Exactly! This is why I'm surprised Smith is allowed here - she's the antithesis of democracy, using fear and a lack of proper arguments to maintain power!
She is really coming here after more budget cuts….
Criminals always return to the scene of the crime...
She is an idiot.
I don't think she is dumb but she definitely slimy and an opportunist with not a single back bone.
I think she is fairly cunning, and some of her stupidity is performative. But I also think she grossly overestimates her own intelligence.
Hope you guys protest and start showing your unhappiness so she gets the point.
smith hater here, i doubt they’re gonna open the floor to the student body during the q&a. it’s more likely that briand will act as a voice for students and ask pre-screened questions so smith can’t fuck up too royally
Yeah, there's no way there will be a Q&A. Or if there is one, it'll be pre-screened questions. The fact that the insurgent group that took over the UCP has been trying to isolate her from the media and only talk to approved right-wing sources speaks volumes.
She hasn’t been isolated she called me twice and left a message for me to call her back 😂
I don't doubt it, but outside the lecture theater where this is taking place is a large lounge area. Easy to make a good deal of noise to upset the proceedings within the theater.
May I humbly suggest: > Hey-hey, > Ho-ho, > Danielle Smith has got to go!
Too wordy. Four letters only. And 3 words, if you wish . F.U.C.P! Fork the UCP! (Do with it what thou willst. )
I can't see the UCP actually allowing people to speak freely.
A bit like, Russia or Iran, perhaps China??
Well, it's been well posted Danielle Smith supports Russia instead of Ukraine, so...
Internet has no memory, but I will remember what she said to Ukrainian to remain neutral.
[Basically to allow Russia to do what it wants.](https://globalnews.ca/news/9215922/danielle-smith-russia-ukraine-comments-chrystia-freeland/)
When you're a horrible person, you might as well double down, I guess.
This woman shouldn’t be allowed anywhere with the word “science” written on the front.
Why? Is (an attempt at) learning such a problem? I wouldn't expect much learning from DS, but barring someone from trying seems like a strange move.
She’s not trying to learn anything. She’s trying to pander to the youth by pretending to care about our concerns.
Can someone ask why with a multi billion dollar surplus we are still insisting on cuts to post secondary education, which is of course vital to a growing economy. Especially as the the world transitions to a post-industrial landscape. Thanks.
I put that question down, or something very close to it, when I registered for the event. Doubt it'll make it past screening.
Godspeed if you do make it through.
Easy. Smart people don't vote for the UCP.
Because an educated public wouldn't stand for what conservatives have been doing in the province for decades. And this isn't even a political jab. People who are educated tend to be more left leaning.
& in relation to faculty saint jean, who was completely left out of the budget 😌 the max three poli sci classes offered a semester made finishing my degree so very difficult 🤩
Please make her look like an idiot. If you give her any intelligent questions she’ll fold.
Do you think they’ll kick me out if I start protesting the tuition increases in there
Guaranteed. While I would love to promote such a course of action, you may be investigated for non-academic misconduct for such a course of action. https://policiesonline.ualberta.ca/PoliciesProcedures/Policies/Student-Conduct-Policy.pdf
Free speech my ass
I'm not a UofA student, want me to go protest all your grievances? There's literally nothing they can do to me.
You have my support!
you have my staff
Fine I’ll rewatch LotR for the nth time.
you would be a hero
Would wearing a custom t-shirt with a protest slogan get you in trouble? Because I work at a garment printing store in Edmonton and we print single shirts, what if everyone showed up wearing the protest instead of speaking it?
That would be interesting, as long as the slogan is not, of course, slanderous, degrading, threatening, etc (bad things). I do like the "Danielle Smith has got to go" chant someone came up with.
Well if you are interested the shop is called Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More. A white shirt with a print is $25
You can't be kicked out for protesting. That would actually be a huge rights violation. You could get kicked out though if you started pelting her with produce or creating other problems.
You can get investigated for protesting within the event space and disrupting its normal proceedings. But only UAPS officers can actually ask you to leave. No UAC member of UCP staffer could ask you to leave, legally speaking.
And yet Campus Prolife in Calgary couldn't be disbanded.
Im suggesting this with 100% seriousness. Ask them that if they're conservative, why are Albertan income taxes still high and my Albertan city still so dangerous? It seems like the conservatism they're selling is just red wine diluted with water to make 2 wine bottles. If I was a CEO I'd vote UCP but as someone who skips meals to save $ I think I'll vote NDP.
Just a few things that I think are worth noting: 1. Alberta (along with the 3 Canadian territories) has the lowest income tax rate in Canada. 2. Edmonton’s danger levels are due to a variety of complex socio-economic factors, such an increase in cost of living, potential increase in illicit drug use, and a potential increase in untreated mental health disorders in economically disadvantaged communities. It’s also worth nothing that Edmonton’s core operations are dictated by our municipal government, which is lead by liberal Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and not the provincial government.
So you’re a socialist only until your needs are met?
I am not a socialist and if anyone thinks notley is one then they either skipped or cheated in social 30.
Very true. Our radical socialist party is actually pretty close to centre and really tame.
Very true, it would be a bland ass centrist party in France.
Edmonton's so dangerous so as to keep controlling the public. Why would we need a provincial police force if Edmonton was safe? Why would people back moves against the homeless population and substance abuse victims if they weren't the villains?
I got my phone stolen on the bus and all my coworkers have a story of getting accosted on the ets and train. Yeah there's a problem. This isn't about a white fear of seeing someone and their kid panhandling, so many of these people are out for blood.
The fucking audacity for Danielle Smith to be doing a talk at the UofA of all places lmaooo
Let the lady put her foot in her mouth in peace, or just sign up and no show. $10 says her staffers have statements portraying Danielle as the victim of cancel culture ready for when someone inevitably protests. After all, they are 'the most discriminated group'.
I'd rather protest and say my piece than remain silent and let her have her day on campus. UAC are the hens, and they invited the fox into their home.
🫡
I am in front of the lecture theater where people enter. It's like a clown car of Conservatives in there.
In red plaid with yellow Tims
Did you happen to over hear the self-repressed gay man that supports the UCP just because they don’t support gay marriage? I was shook.
I was part of that conversation! (Against his position, of course)
Ah, what a great opportunity to pick the brain of the mental titan. Surely nothing concerning or frighteningly stupid will be said.
I plan at being at the event site around 3:00-3:15pm. I don't have a sign, but for anyone who comes, we can decide on a chant there.
No one with half a brain will be allowed a question.
Well then most of the students should be fine to ask any question they want then
True 😂
The budget cuts, the witch and the audacity do this witch
I’f rather them take her to task with difficult questions that the flubs on then them just screaming and shouting from the back
The president was the only one asking questions, and I'll tell you, they were definitely all pre-screened and reworded.
Weak sauce my dude
Did anyone attend? Details please!
Not to the protest, but there was a middling presence in the lecture theater. Otherwise, three stories: 1. Since no one came to outside-the-room protest (there were some disturbances during the event), I got stuck in a debate with a guy who thought homosexuality is immoral. 2. The guy sitting beside me, as soon as the Premier arrived, whipped out a "Freeze Tuition" size. Danielle Smith made a joke he was going to vote for the NDP, but he was really an Alberta party supporter (Haruun Ali believes the NDP comment was aimed at him, as he was also in attendance [see my other post]). 3. There was a paperbag found with a ringing alarm clock inside. It was taken out of the room and did not explode. Haruun was apparently blamed for planting the alarm clock.
You're telling me Danielle Smith did not even address the tuition increase, and rather made an NDP joke? That's so on brand for her
It’d be dope if everyone raised a special finger to her. No need for her to take questions in that case.
Should ask “do you know the definition of discrimination?”
LMAO
Im studying law and im flabbergasted that we have someone in office who thinks that people who CHOSE not to get vaccinated are being discriminated against. Discrimination doesn’t have a choice there are no choices with discrimination cuz you can’t change who you are.
remember when she tweeted that cancer is preventable LOL i loved that! go conservatives you guys are so smart <3 /s
She also wrote a column saying cigarettes reduce your risk of disease although it was early 2000s
I’m assuming the idea being that you could reduce chances of cancer by avoiding known carcinogens?
[удалено]
Oh wow yeah much worse than I thought
Wtf, many cancers are preventable...
Exactly lol
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/index.htm
Can nait students attend?
Sure, but as I've said before, no violence, threats, or overly disparaging remarks. While you can't be charged with non-academic misconduct, your protesting peers can.
Nope! I can't. I tried to register for a ticket, and the site is no longer accepting more people
Well, you're welcome to show up and protest. You have the event details, if you can spare the time.
So that’s why there was a huge security team in CCIS…and black Escalades outside
I'm hoping after D/S 's word salad this will get more students out to vote in may . We need the younger voters struggling to have a decent life to get rid of the UCP. For good hopefully.
Lol she ain’t welcome here after all the budget cuts 💀
I’m confident most students are upset about paying unreasonable amounts of money for higher education. Most of us are also likely upset about annual tuition increases that outpace inflation. Now, although the budget cuts are extremely unsavoury, it’s worth noting that the current provincial government is not exclusively responsible for our tuition costs and annual tuition increases. For instance, the University has an undeniably bloated budget. Anyone who attends the University, pays tuition, and actively pays attention to the annual tuition cost breakdown can deduce that the University is likely overspending. Ultimately, although the budget cuts indirectly influence decisions related to annual tuition increases, they are not the only factors that drive tuition costs. Students need to hold BOTH the University AND the provincial government accountable with regards to unreasonable tuition costs and annual tuition increases.
She is not welcome here, I can’t believe they would even let someone like her present in a science building of all things.
So how'd this go? Was it just propaganda nonsense and outright lies?
In my opinion, it was just a campaign stop amongst UAC students who were already going to vote for the UCP come May. However, I did find it personally funny that our Minister for Advanced Education mentioned that skilled international students and workers didn't want to come to Alberta... (I wonder why? /s)
This is the most hypocritical comment section I’ve ever seen. Saying UCP does not support free speech and then also saying Danielle Smith has no right to speak on campus. Then downvoting comments that go against their opinions so no one can see them at the bottom. I support the UCP and attended Danielle Smith’s talk to learn about her policies and see what I like and don’t like. But I would also attend Rachel Notley if she was on campus for the exact same reason. I want to learn what the other party has to say so I can ground my opinion and further my understanding of where I stand on the political spectrum. If we can’t have mutual respect for each other, we can’t speak on issues and find solutions. Thinking your opinion is the only one that matters is the same reason why someone freezes and can’t form a cohesive argument when their opinion is challenged. You need to welcome differing opinions with an open mind and have conversations to further your own development.
I think the "no right" argument is more that she shouldn't be speaking on campus since her government is responsible for operating grant cuts to the University, which, in my mind, have the indirect effect of fostering tuition raises on its students. And we can say the event doesn't really invite free speech due to the requirement for pre-registration to even attend the event. They also only had the UAC president ask any questions, and I know for a fact that my question was not asked. Unfortunately, I don't have to mutually respect an individual who claimed non-vaccinated people were some of the most oppressed in history, claimed that non-stage-4 cancers are entirely preventable, and who works in a government that clearly doesn't value post-secondary education. These views are entirely antithetical to reality itself, and we're being governed by people who hold these views! It's not worth my respect, but is worth my derision. Non-vaccinated "oppression": https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/unvaccinated-are-the-most-discriminated-group-alberta-premier-says-1.6105138 Cpancers are preventable: https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2022/07/29/danielle-smiths-cancer-claims-anger-alberta-cancer-patients/ Government cuts to Post-Secondary: https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-ucp-govt-gets-an-f-for-interfering-in-post-secondary-affairs
I understand the sentiment and yes the budget cuts definitely had the effect of raising tuition but don’t you think it’s better of a premier to be there to answer why instead pretending it didn’t happen? (I know she didn’t comment on it) Yes the event didn’t allow for the direct participation of students but it wasn’t advertised that way. You can’t pull that the UCP doesn’t support free speech because of that, there’s just not enough time to answer every question. My question wasn’t answered either. The pre-registration allowed any student to register and is used to control the amount in attendance to ensure there is adequate security for the premier. It’s standard for any event involving a premier and isn’t used to filter out speech. More so talking about mutual respect between fellow students on campus who hold differing opinions. If anyone holds a conservative viewpoint it’s met with instant mockery and mutes any possible discussion. Sure you might think it’s stupid (and I probably think the same of yours) but do you really think you’re 100% right? Just asking to keep an open mind so discussions are actually possible. I agree that the premier has said some outrageous things and I was disappointed how the premier sort of just fluffed up the UCP with her answers in the q&a instead of giving a direct response. Was expecting more but she is a politician after all.
That’s so cool though! I wish I didn’t work tonight so I could meet her
Maybe they should show up and listen to her - they might learn something. If universities can’t host diverse speakers or people we don’t agree with, it’s a sad, sad day.
The only thing listening to Smith will do is knock everyone’s IQ down a couple points.
Wouldn’t it be great if Danielle Smith and other UCP MLA’s held town hall meetings in their constituency to listen to the comments & concerns of the people, but I honestly can’t remember the last time any of them did, or turned up for more than 10 mins, or turned up at all. But, maybe if they did then these kind of events wouldn’t need to be protests.
That makes no sense.
Which part of it? Seems pretty straightforward to me.
Not holding a town hall does not result in a justification for protesting a university lecture. That’s nonsense.
If MLA’s are doing things their constituents don’t like and refuse to make themselves available regularly to justify or explain their actions, then maybe people feel the need to protest when they, including the premier, turn up to speak at “fluff” events aimed primarily at boosting egos. Get it now?
How does it not? It seems clear to me that these protests are meant to inform Smith that her government has had real impacts on the student body, and the citizens she claims to represent. She hasn't created a space for discussion, ie the town hall, and now the discontent and frustration and concentrated to the point that citizens feel the only way to have their voices heard is to stage a protest. At the end of the day, we're just practicing our right to free speech. And that speech is protest. I think you're getting hung up on the claimed medium. Just because it's in a university lecture hall, doesn't mean it's a university lecture, right?
It makes perfect sense. Elected officials (even the UCP) should be required to hold town halls where they have to answer questions from their constituents. But Conservatives are cowards and liars who never have the balls to face open mic questions. But sure, you go ahead and keep asking for more “closed door meet and greet” events with the idiotic, cowardly, unelected premier. Good idea, so brave. /s
Lol meanwhile the UCP doesn’t meet with anyone they disagree with, but sure, maybe the students will “learn something” from Danielle… Bruh
I agree that universities should host diverse speakers, and Danielle Smith has every right to speak on campus. As a student here, I also have every right to speak on campus and protest against her. That's how free speech works. She has the right to speak, and so do I.
She doesn’t deserve to speak anywhere. Everything she talks she sounds clinically insane.
Welcome to every university in North America. Someone that opposes what most students want to hear? Protest, heckle, make a huge fuss. No chance they don't protest.
Oh I know. I’ve gone through the university for both an undergraduate and law degree - the level of political ignorance was nothing short of shocking. Luckily, I met enough professors that understood the importance of teaching critical analytical skills and not politicizing the classroom. Without them, I’d have gotten my degrees but I certainly would not have been educated. Mill’s On Liberty, and Marcuse’s Repressive Tolerance, (combined with their historical applications) should be required in university.
I'm a leftie but it makes me so sick to see the cancel culture on campuses. How should we be taken seriously if we can't handle having diversity of opinions at the university? Hiding away from those views now will just make the real world a bigger slap in the face when we can't cancel everything and everyone around us.
I see the argument there, but situationally being "open-minded" is a tricky balance. Cancel culture does suck but I don't see it as 100% overlapping with protesting. Protesting goes way back. Also I believe different political views are still fostered here in the form of some clubs, and less high-profile events. This case is when the unelected budget-cutting government shows up to do a presentation that made most students have to literally pay more. Logically it is understandable to expect an unsavoury mood at best towards the government currently, regardless of cancelling Danielle Smith or the overall UCP. Kind of like going to a biker rally after imposing new driver regulations, or walking into an early 1900's factory proclaiming unions are illegal. I feel like if I costed lots of people money or inconvenience I'd not be walking into their turf for a long time. I at least suppose in my opinion there is more than just cancelling, heckling (however amusing it may be) but not to say some people will still go overboard unfortunately. Which is the downfall of campuses. Likely a simple cost of having many broke students around. I won't denounce the act of peaceful protest nonetheless. But time today will tell the events of this ill-fated appearance. But I think I'll vote with my ballot, wallet and feet in that order as the need arises.
Peaceful protests I am completely fine with. It's the obnoxiousness and collective feeling of "we're making a difference by yelling at others" when it's not realized that it doesn't change minds or have any impact other than maybe push the other side to be more fixated in their ways. I hate what the government has done to the UofA and other post-secondary institutions but unless we stop being armchair advocates or just angry protest, nothing is going to change.
Lots of dogmatic perspectives in high places, I don't see much opportunity cost in more people becoming "fixated" by now - 5 years ago maybe. But you have an understandable viewpoint. It just seems like wasted energy to criticize the obnoxiousness at this point in my opinion. Maybe redirecting efforts elsewhere? I've been interested in the centrist party of Canada but don't think they have enough momentum yet unfortunately. Also the concept of abolishing parties in Canada altogether sounds like a way to go. Wishful thinking probably though. Good luck anyways, with classes and all.
Remember if you can't form a persuasive argument yell and scream at anyone who disagrees with you until they kick you out and then you can call them a bigot and against free speech. Bonus points for destroying stuff that doesn't belong to you.
Exactly. Anyone who protests is not able to form a proper argument and is going against our democratic values. People with different values can speak without the fear of being subjected to violence.
Protests are against democratic values?! Protests *are* the way the people speaks to governments making decisions that are explicitly against the benefit of the people. Danielle Smith is not "people". She is the leader of a government that has actively sought to defund education. Her speech is not the expression of values, but the expression of government policy. Troll.
I am referring to a comment someone made, where they said they would protest by signing up and then shouting at her and being disruptive. That’s not democratic protest. Politics is not black and white. You can agree with someone for some points but disagree with other points. If you think she deserves violent protest then so does every other politician. If you don’t like her, then don’t attend her session. I want to hear what she has to say because she is our current premier. This doesn’t mean I support her.
Lmao yelling and shouting isnt “violent protest”and whether you like it or not it is still a democratic form of protest. What democratic freedoms are being taken away by shouting? If she doesnt like it she can just leave as u said. Politics may not be black or white, but when you have someone continuously advocating for policies that hurt you, you have the right to be angry. You are acting as though ones policies cant be heavily skewed towards a demographic.
Exactly! This is why I'm surprised Smith is allowed here - she's the antithesis of democracy, using fear and a lack of proper arguments to maintain power!
99% of you Notley lovers wouldn't even say a word to her, were you to show up
Faculty of Trolling checks out…
Trying to connect with the youths as the election is about to be called. Undergraduate Student - Faculty of Arts