OTTAWA—Despite some opposition and attempts by activists to shut down Jordan Peterson’s speech in the nation’s capital, the famed psychologist and academic went ahead with his sold-out talk at the Canadian Tire Centre on Jan. 30. No protesters showed up.
Peterson began by chiding the 36 groups that wanted to ban him from speaking in Ottawa. He joked that he saw in the crowd bigots and misogynists as far as the eye could see. He added that Ottawa had to work on its activists a bit more as he didn’t see even one placard in opposition to his presentation.
Peterson said that Canada is increasingly being held in contempt globally. Canada no longer ranks in the top 10 of most free countries in the world, according to the Fraser Institute and U.S.-based Cato Institute.
The bestselling author came to Ottawa as part of his tour to promote his third book, “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules For Life.” The enthusiastic audience of 5,000 gave him a standing ovation at the conclusion of the question and answer session after his talk.
Peterson mainly spoke about some of the collaborative work he’s doing regarding examining Biblical works like Genesis and especially Exodus, which tells of the Israelites escaping tyranny in Egypt.
He also mentioned the Dao—the balance between chaos and order and how to live one’s life by working one’s way between the two.
‘People Can Make Their Own Decisions’
The Epoch Times spoke with attendees after the event, all of whom were unanimous in saying that there was nothing hateful or discriminatory—as had been claimed by some protesting his talk in weeks prior—in anything Peterson said.
Phil Neusy, an IT professional, said that Peterson really needs to be listened to as he’s an academic taking a stand against the “modern culture that is so strong and pervasive.” Neusy said he’s proud of the traditional viewpoint.
“It’s all about ‘you have to be able to have a conversation,’ right?” he said. “Once you start to censor, then it’s going down the same rabbit hole.”
Carleton University student Anastasia Marzesska said that while Peterson doesn’t say anything offensive, the person listening might interpret it that way—but that’s not a reason for censorship.
“I think that if he has something to say, people should be allowed to hear what he has to say, and people can make their own decisions on whether or not they agree with it or disagree with it.”
Q&A Session
Audience members asked Peterson about some current issues, including what teachers can do to stand up to woke culture and medically assisted dying.
“I don’t think there’s a more dire sin than corrupting children,” Peterson said.
He urged people to get involved in civic affairs, including on school boards, and by putting in the work, people can change Canada for the better.
“Sane people have abdicated their responsibility,” he said.
Peterson showed some emotion when asked about MAID (medical assistance in dying). He related his own experience of a lengthy illness and how he had been in recovery for more than a year.
He was categorical that the government should not be making decisions about who lives and who dies.
“I’m really happy that he was able to touch on certain parts, especially having to do with medical assistance in dying, because that’s pushing the line, in my opinion, with what the government thinks their role is in our lives as citizens,” said Nate, an attendee who wanted his last name withheld.
Peterson was also asked about how the younger generations are turning a more favourable eye toward communism. He responded by saying it’s a question of providing a better story than what is currently enamouring millennials and Generation Z. He described Marxism as “genocidally murderous.”
Peterson was joined by his son Julian, who played guitar and sang as a warm-up to his dad’s presentation. His wife Tammy provided the introduction and read the audience’s questions.
Peterson’s tour has 11 more stops in Canada with three newly added, including a second talk in Toronto.
