Canadian councilor punished for denying unproven ‘mass graves’ narrative seeks court review
by
The Canadian Constitution Foundation has announced they are seeking a court review for PEI councillor John Robertson who was sanctioned by the town of Murray Harbour for placing a sign opposing the residential school ‘mass graves’ narrative on his lawn.
(LifeSiteNews) — A Prince Edward Island (PEI) councillor who was punished for denying the unproven claim of mass graves at residential schools is seeking a court review.
In a February 4 press release, the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) announced they would defend PEI councillor John Robertson who was sanctioned by the town of Murray Harbour for placing a sign opposing the mass graves narrative on his lawn.
“The Supreme Court of Canada has said time and again that the purpose of freedom of expression is to ensure that everyone can manifest their thoughts, opinions, beliefs – however unpopular, distasteful or contrary to the mainstream,” CCF Counsel Josh Dehaas said.
“You don’t need freedom of expression to protect expression everyone agrees with,” he added. “The reason we have free speech is because today’s minority viewpoint sometimes turns out to be correct tomorrow, and people can’t have those difficult conversations if those in power can prevent them from speaking.”
The controversy began in September 2023 when Robertson placed a sign reading, “Truth: Mass Grave Hoax. Reconciliation: Redeem Sir John A’s Integrity” on his lawn. Robertson later said he intended the sign to spark conversations surrounding the still-unproven claim that former residential school sites are the home to mass graves of students.
Many residents of the small town of Murray Harbour issued complaints over the sign and called for Robertson’s resignation. However, Robertson refused to step down, leading some of his fellow councillors to launch a Code of Conduct investigation into his actions.
Robertson was later issued a fine of $500, a six-month suspension, and ordered to apologize for the sign. Robertson refused to comply with the sanctions, and the provincial minister in charge has since threatened to remove him.