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MRU hosted a peaceful protest against Bill 18 September 24, 2024. (Riley Clark, CMRU.ca)
Students and staff at Mount Royal University protested on Tuesday morning against provincial legislation they believe can limit research funding.
Bill 18
In April, Alberta introduced Bill 18, aiming to counter what it describes as federal overreach.
The Bill received traction at the end of May and mandates that the province must approve any federal funding for provincial entities. This would affect federal money allocated to cities and universities throughout Alberta.
This act restricts the federal government from forming funding agreements with school boards, health authorities, post-secondary institutions, crown corporations, and housing organizations unless the province is consulted beforehand. A similar law is already in effect in Quebec.
Campus protests
A significant rally took place on Tuesday at Mount Royal University’s campus to protest Bill 18, known as the Provincial Priorities Act. Introduced by Premier Danielle Smith in April, the Bill was passed just before the spring legislative session concluded in late May.
Members of the MRU community are arguing the Bill unfairly targets universities and will prevent a lot of cutting-edge research from getting done. Educators worry that the bill will hinder access to funding for important projects and harm the reputation of Alberta’s schools regarding academic freedom. Legislature will resume with the verdict sitting on October 28.
How to protest responsibly
As stated by Mount Royals Expression and Free Speech Policy, individuals engaging in free speech at Mount Royal includes the right to communicate opinions and ideas without censorship or sanction, such as the right to engage in peaceful protest against the content of free speech of others. If you are part of Mount Royal faculty and are planning on implementing change, make sure to know your rights before participating in a protest on campus.
According to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, assertively stating your rights during encounters with law enforcement can support you if you decide to address these matters in court or file a complaint later on.
Understanding your rights is crucial for the establishment of a peaceful protest.
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