Jordan Peterson's planned Kelowna, B.C., appearance sparks controversy
A scheduled appearance by Jordan Peterson in Kelowna, B.C., as part of his book tour has sparked duelling petitions and planned protests.
Peterson, the controversial psychology professor turned internet personality, has attracted both sold-out crowds and large demonstrations at previous stops on his Canadian tour.
The May 26 appearance is scheduled for Kelowna's Prospera Place in order to promote his new book "Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life" which is a sequel his best-selling 2018 self-help book. Tickets to the event are sold out but some VIP packages are still available at a $250 price tag.
Peterson rose to prominence in 2016 with a series of YouTube videos in which he spoke out against gender-neutral pronouns and Bill C-16, which banned discrimination against people based on gender identity. He retired last fall as a tenured professor at the University of Toronto, writing in the National Post that he believed equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives at the university created barriers for “supremely trained heterosexual white male graduate students.”
The petition opposing Peterson's appearance is directed to Kelowna's mayor and city council.
"Mr. Peterson's views directly jeopardize the safety and well-being of marginalized communities, especially women, transgender and gender non-conforming people. Violence against women and 2SLGTBQIA+ folks starts with words, so giving this man a platform to speak is directly impacting safety of marginalized communities," it reads. As of Wednesday, it had gathered roughly 1,000 signatures.
Prospera Place it not a city-owned or operated facility, but protests demanding the event's cancellation are also being planned at city hall.
A petition supporting the event has also been created, also addressed to the municipal government. Appealing to support for free speech, it describes Peterson as a "remarkable person" who has "inspired millions." Like the petition opposing the appearance, it has gathered roughly 1,000 signatures.
Peterson's appearances have garnered similar opposition in other Candian cities, but none of the events have been cancelled at civic facilities or private venues.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.