Home / BCCLA President speaks out about Northern Health Authority's dismissal of staff member, Amy Blanding, for exercising right to free expression in support of Palestine in her personal time
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BCCLA President speaks out about Northern Health Authority’s dismissal of staff member, Amy Blanding, for exercising right to free expression in support of Palestine in her personal time
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BCCLA
Hasan Alam, BCCLA President, says:
Good Morning. My name is Hasan Alam, and I am the President of the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA).
The BCCLA is dedicated to protecting the fundamental freedoms that allow every individual in Canada to engage in public discourse, challenge systems of oppression, and contribute to a healthy democracy.
The case of Amy Blanding, who was removed from her position by the Northern Health Authority for exercising her right to speak out in support of Palestinian human rights in her personal time, is a striking and troubling example of the growing chill on free expression in this province and across the country.
The right to express one’s views on matters of public importance, especially those related to human rights and international justice, is a cornerstone of our Charter-protected freedoms. Ms. Blanding’s dismissal reflects a broader and alarming trend of employers disciplining and silencing individuals for engaging in political speech. This is particularly concerning when such expression centers on calling for accountability in the face of atrocities like the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
We are witnessing an increasing number of cases where individuals, like Ms. Blanding, face repercussions simply for expressing their conscience.
Whether in the workplace, academia, or public institutions, people are being unjustly penalized for standing up against systemic wrongs, including the complicity of Canadian institutions in international human rights abuses. This extends beyond professional consequences—people’s reputations are being tarnished for exercising their freedom of expression.
This sends a clear signal that dissenting voices, particularly those speaking up for marginalized communities, are being suppressed. Such silencing not only harms the individuals involved but also weakens the foundation of democratic participation and civil liberties in Canada.
The BCCLA stands firmly with Amy Blanding in this lawsuit because defending her rights is defending the rights of all of us. We must not allow fear of controversy or discomfort to justify the erosion of our fundamental freedoms.
We urge institutions across the province and the country to respect the right of individuals to speak out without fear of reprisal. No one in Canada should ever have to fear losing their job or damaging their reputation for advocating for human rights, whether in Gaza or elsewhere.
Hasan Alam is the President of the BC Civil Liberties Association. He is a Staff Lawyer at the BC General Employees Unions (BCGEU) where he practices Labour and Human Rights law. Read more about Hasan on our Board of Directors page
BCCLA President speaks out about Northern Health Authority’s dismissal of staff member, Amy Blanding, for exercising right to free expression in support of Palestine in her personal time
Hasan Alam, BCCLA President, says:
Good Morning. My name is Hasan Alam, and I am the President of the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA).
The BCCLA is dedicated to protecting the fundamental freedoms that allow every individual in Canada to engage in public discourse, challenge systems of oppression, and contribute to a healthy democracy.
The case of Amy Blanding, who was removed from her position by the Northern Health Authority for exercising her right to speak out in support of Palestinian human rights in her personal time, is a striking and troubling example of the growing chill on free expression in this province and across the country.
The right to express one’s views on matters of public importance, especially those related to human rights and international justice, is a cornerstone of our Charter-protected freedoms. Ms. Blanding’s dismissal reflects a broader and alarming trend of employers disciplining and silencing individuals for engaging in political speech. This is particularly concerning when such expression centers on calling for accountability in the face of atrocities like the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
We are witnessing an increasing number of cases where individuals, like Ms. Blanding, face repercussions simply for expressing their conscience.
Whether in the workplace, academia, or public institutions, people are being unjustly penalized for standing up against systemic wrongs, including the complicity of Canadian institutions in international human rights abuses. This extends beyond professional consequences—people’s reputations are being tarnished for exercising their freedom of expression.
This sends a clear signal that dissenting voices, particularly those speaking up for marginalized communities, are being suppressed. Such silencing not only harms the individuals involved but also weakens the foundation of democratic participation and civil liberties in Canada.
The BCCLA stands firmly with Amy Blanding in this lawsuit because defending her rights is defending the rights of all of us. We must not allow fear of controversy or discomfort to justify the erosion of our fundamental freedoms.
We urge institutions across the province and the country to respect the right of individuals to speak out without fear of reprisal. No one in Canada should ever have to fear losing their job or damaging their reputation for advocating for human rights, whether in Gaza or elsewhere.
Hasan Alam is the President of the BC Civil Liberties Association. He is a Staff Lawyer at the BC General Employees Unions (BCGEU) where he practices Labour and Human Rights law. Read more about Hasan on our Board of Directors page
CIVIL LIBERTIES CAN’T PROTECT THEMSELVES