Schwartz: Once a global rallying cry, Canada’s institutions have abandoned the consensus of ‘Je suis Charlie’

Federal government can only do so much and institutions need also to play a role:

…The recent federal announcement for a more focused national response is welcome. But the deeper test is whether Canada’s institutions will heed the call. 

The standard should be simple and universal: no political cause or ideological grievance earns an exemption from the basic rules of democratic life.

If intimidation is wrong when directed at one group, it is wrong when directed at another. If threats are unacceptable in one political context, they are unacceptable in all of them.

This is where leadership matters.

University presidents should speak plainly when students are targeted. Political leaders should stop calibrating outrage according to constituency or online reaction. Editors should give ideologically motivated violence the prominence it deserves….

Gary Schwartz is a general partner for North Exit Ventures and the CEO of the Canadian Lenders Association. He lives in Toronto.

Source: Once a global rallying cry, Canada’s institutions have abandoned the consensus of ‘Je suis Charlie’