The George Jonas
Freedom Award
Toronto June 12 | Vancouver August 14 | Calgary September 19
Tickets: Early bird $175 | General Admission $200 | VIP Admission $350
2025 Recipient
Dr. Frances Widdowson
Author, academic, and conversationalist, Dr. Frances Widdowson is a champion of open inquiry, freedom of expression, and justice for the vulnerable.
During her time as policy analyst for the Government of Northwest Territories, Dr. Widdowson challenged what she called an “Aboriginal Industry” in which non-indigenous consultants and lawyers raked in huge profits while failing to provide indigenous communities with housing, education, healthcare, and water.
During her tenure at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Dr. Widdowson educated the next generation while continuing her own research on the causes of significant socioeconomic disparities between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians.
Her activity is not limited to the classroom, however. Dr. Widdowson is a bold advocate for open dialogue and inquiry on university campuses that have become increasingly quick to censor and control public discussion.
With help from the Justice Centre, Dr. Widdowson is suing the University of Lethbridge in Alberta after the University cancelled her talk on “How Woke-ism Threatens Academic Freedom.”
Dr. Widdowson combines her quick mind with a critical mission to reclaim Canada’s campuses from censorship and blind consensus.
The Story
Dr. Frances Widdowson
Her Story Perspective
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Frances Widdowson—recipient of the 2025 George Jonas Freedom Award—shares her personal and professional journey as a steadfast advocate for freedom of expression and open inquiry. A distinguished author and academic, Dr. Widdowson reflects on the challenges she has faced in academia, the state of free speech in Canada, and the importance of intellectual courage in the pursuit of justice for the marginalized. This candid conversation offers a rare and thoughtful look into the principles and perseverance behind her work, ahead of the Freedom Award celebration in
Glenn Blackett
The Lawyers' Perspective
Glenn Blackett has been a successful constitutional lawyer since 2002. He is knowledgeable and passionate about defending the constitutional freedoms of all Canadians, with a special focus on freedom of expression. Combined with his B.A. in Political Science, Glenn Blackett is the best person to fight for Dr. Frances Widdowson and the freedom of expression of students and academics in Canada.
Brian Lilley
The Media + Cultural Perspective
With over 20 years of journalism and radio experience, Brian Lilley is one of the most outspoken journalists in Canadian media today. In this video, he talks about the “freedom of expression landscape” in Canada and warns that the gravest threat to free speech is self-censorship, caused in part by increasing censorship on campuses across the country.
John Carpay
President, JCCF's Perspective
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George Jonas
"Maybe that's what is crazy: to want to be free. A lot of people wouldn't cross the street for it."
Early Bird
Available until May 16, 2025
$
175
00
-
Pre-dinner reception and hors d'oeuvres
-
Exceptional three-course dinner
-
Open bar
-
Select location below to purchase tickets
VIP Admission
Available until June 10, 2025
$
350
00
-
All General Admission perks
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Exclusive VIP reception with live music, hors d'oeuvres, premium wines, and photo opportunities
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Opportunity to connect with Dr. Frances Widdowson, the Justice Centre team, and prominent freedom fighters from across Canada
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Select location below to purchase tickets
Best Value
General Admission
Available until June 10, 2025
$
200
00
-
Pre-dinner reception and hors d'oeuvres
-
Exceptional three-course dinner
-
Open bar
-
Select location below to purchase tickets
Past RecipientEzra Levant
Past RecipientDr. Jordan B. Peterson
Past RecipientTamara Lich
Past RecipientSociety for Academic Freedom and Scholarship
Past RecipientChristie Blatchford
Past RecipientMark Steyn
Ezra LevantPast Recipient
Dr. Jordan B. PetersonPast Recipient
Tamara LichPast Recipient
Society for Academic Freedom and ScholarshipPast Recipient
Christie BlatchfordPast Recipient
Mark SteynPast Recipient
Past Recipient
Ezra Levant
Past Recipient
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
Past Recipient
Tamara Lich
Past Recipient
Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship
Past Recipient
Christie Blatchford
Past Recipient
Mark Steyn
About
George Jonas
Author, poet, journalist and National Post columnist, George Jonas (1935-2016) made significant contributions to freedom in Canada after escaping from communist Hungary in 1956. He experienced life under both Stalinist communism, as well as the pro-Nazi Hungarian fascist regime during the Second World War. George Jonas supported the Justice Centre in his capacity as a board member of the Aurea Foundation, thereby greatly aiding the Justice Centre throughout its early years. In 2018, the Justice Centre inaugurated this annual award to carry on his legacy and to highlight the impact that one individual can make in defence of a free society.
A Look Back at the 2024 Award
The George Jonas Freedom Award honours champions of freedom and individual rights. Join us for an inspiring evening with Dr. Frances Widdowson and selected keynote speakers in each location. Past award recipients include: Ezra Levant, Jordan Peterson, Tamara Lich, Christie Blatchford and Mark Steyn.