Town uses taxpayers money in an attempt to silence dissent

Town CAO - Robert Austin

September 8th, 2005

Halton Hills - In a bold attempt to control Halton Hills only community news source and silence what has effectively become the new 21st century virtual Town Hall of Halton Hills, the Corporation of the Town Halton Hills, managed by CAO Robert Austin, using taxpayers money, identifing Terry Alyman as a co-plaintiff, on August 26th, 2005 filed claim with the Superior Court of Justice over recent Herald reports on the discriminating practices and actions of Terry Alyman, claiming:

"By reason of the nature of its business, the plaintiff Town's reputation and goodwill with the general public is of paramount importance to the ongoing business and undertaking of the Plaintiff Town, its elected representative and it's officers and employees. For the same reason, the reputation and goodwill of the Plaintiff Alyman is of paramount importance to the success both of his own business and undertaking on behalf of the plaintiff Town, and also that of the Plaintiff Town itself. By defaming the Plaintiff Alyman in his capacity as an officer and employee of the Plaintiff Town, the Defendant has defamed the Plaintiff Town and damaged the Plaintiff Town's reputation and goodwill with the general public."

Freedom of expression is one of the most fundamental rights that individuals enjoy in this country. It is fundamental to the existence of democracy and the respect of human dignity. It is also one of the most dangerous rights, because freedom of expression means the freedom to express one's discontent with the status quo and the desire to change it. As such, it is one of the most threatened rights, with governments all over the world constantly trying to curtail it.

Founded in 1981, the Canadian Association for Free Expression believes free speech and discussion are essential to any functioning democracy. Freedom of speech and freedom to express one's beliefs are essential to human dignity and liberty. The Association, through publishing, lectures, conferences, court interventions and lobbying fights to protect these basic human rights and to promote to the maximum the Charter guaranteed rights of freedom of speech, freedom of belief, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

The Halton Herald looks forward to defending our rights to free speech and having these matters and controversial issues surrounding Terry Alyman's actions brought before the courts.

UPDATE ...

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