‘Orwellian’: Margaret Atwood, Elon Musk sound alarm over Trudeau Liberals’ Online Harms Act
Jarryd Jaeger
Justin Trudeau has finally managed to unite people from across the political spectrum – against his Liberal government’s Online Harms Act. Upon its release, the proposed legislation garnered criticism from conservatives, however, it has now come under attack by lifelong liberals, and those who fall somewhere in between.
Among those warning of the potential consequences of Bill C-63, which Justice Minister Arif Virani claimed would make the internet a safer place for all, especially children, are legendary Canadian author Margaret Atwood and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
“If this account of the bill is true, it’s Lettres de Cachet all over again,” Atwood wrote in a post on X, referring to the royal orders used to forcibly imprison individuals during the period preceding the French Revolution.
“The possibilities for revenge false accusations + thoughtcrime stuff are sooo inviting!” she added, calling the bill “Orwellian.”
Virani himself replied to Atwood, suggesting that the article she posted, which cited the text of the bill, “mischaracterizes” it.
Atwood’s comments on Bill C-63 caught the attention of longtime Trudeau critic and fellow Canadian Jordan Peterson.