Calgary legion branch cancels event about book censorship, disappointing writers' groups

A legion branch in Calgary recently cancelled an event that was to focus on banned books as part of the nationwide Freedom to Read Week.

On Monday, the Royal Canadian Legion North Calgary Branch No. 264, or Kensington Legion as its known locally, was to host a panel of authors and an open mic encouraging participants to read from their favourite “banned book.”

The venue was booked in January. The deposit was paid. Then on Feb. 14, days after receiving a copy of the program, the branch’s general manager cancelled the event.

“After obtaining a copy of the event’s agenda we learned that participants would be asked to contact MLAs to reverse the Alberta government’s decision on the removal of certain books from schools. As an apolitical organization that does not host petitions, or political actions of this nature, the branch canceled the booking,” said Philip Petty, general manager of the local legion branch, in an email to CBC news.

The evening’s program, which was intended for organizers and was shared with CBC News, includes examples of calls to action, such as “write your MLA decrying the banning of books.”

The event is part of the national, annual Freedom to Read Week, which was started decades ago to challenge literary censorship and its impact on Canadian writing. 

This year it takes place Feb. 22-28 and includes several events at Calgary public libraries.

The organizers of the cancelled event, the Writers’ Union of Canada and Writers’ Guild of Alberta, and panellists say they were surprised and disappointed by the legion’s reaction.

“I was in shock. What's happening here? He's cancelling an event that's about intellectual freedom and speaking out against censorship. This isn't making sense to me,” said Tracy Dawson, one of the scheduled panellists, who is an author and University of Calgary writer-in-residence.

Elizabeth Haynes, the regional representative for the Writers’ Union of Canada, questions where the legion draws the line as to whether something is political.

“I understand, OK, they don't want to be political. On the other hand, did our soldiers not fight for freedoms and democracy?” wondered Haynes. 

“What about freedom of speech?”

According to social media posts, the legion has previously cancelled events booked by separatist organizations. 

Organizers say they were additionally mystified by the legion’s alternative venue suggestion. In an email, the legion encouraged them to try the nearby Centre for Sexuality, which  “aligns closely with advocacy initiatives similar to yours.”