Writers' Organizations Express Outrage Over Legion's Sudden Cancellation of Censorship Forum
Two prominent Alberta writers' groups have voiced profound disappointment and shock following the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled event in Calgary that aimed to discuss censorship and book bans. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 264, located on Kensington Road in northwest Calgary, informed organizers that it could no longer host the gathering due to conflicts with organizational policies.
Event Details and Sudden Reversal
The event, which was originally planned to feature writers reading excerpts from banned books, had been booked at the Legion branch with a contract signed and deposit paid in mid-January. Organized collaboratively by the Writers' Union of Canada and the Writers' Guild of Alberta, the forum was set to take place on February 23. However, just over a week before the scheduled date, Legion officials notified the groups of their decision to cancel.
In a formal notice provided to Postmedia by the Writers' Union, Legion 264 explained their position. "After reviewing the full scope and nature of the event, we regret to inform you that we are unable to proceed with hosting it," the statement read. "While the event was initially presented to us as a speaker-based gathering, the additional information shared has clarified that aspects of the event conflict with Legion policy, which requires alignment with current government regulations and guidelines."
Organizers' Response and Alternative Venue
The cancellation has since prompted the writers' groups to secure a new location for the event at cSpace Marda Loop in southwest Calgary, ensuring the discussion will proceed as planned. Tracy Dawson, writer-in-residence at the University of Calgary and a scheduled participant, expressed deep concern over the Legion's decision. Dawson, who intended to read from her book Let Me Be Frank: A Book About Women Who Dressed Like Men to Do S— They Weren't Supposed to Do, described feeling shaken and upset by the notice.
"What does the Centre for Sexuality have to do with the freedom to read?" Dawson questioned, referencing a suggestion in the Legion's message that organizers consider moving the event to the Centre for Sexuality, a non-profit supporting Calgary's LGBTQ+ community. "There just seemed to be subtext there that really started to make me feel pretty upset. I couldn't believe it," she added.
Legion's Position and Broader Context
Philip Petty, general manager of Legion Branch 264, clarified the organization's stance, noting that after reviewing the event agenda, they understood participants would be encouraged to contact MLAs about reversing the Alberta government's decision to remove certain books from schools. Petty emphasized that the Legion maintains an apolitical position and does not host events of this nature that could be perceived as political actions.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing debates about censorship in Alberta, including recent reports of school boards banning titles in accordance with provincial directives. The writers' groups argue that their event is a vital discussion on intellectual freedom and the implications of book bans, rather than a political rally.
The controversy highlights tensions between community venues' policies and advocacy initiatives, raising questions about the limits of free expression in public spaces. As the rescheduled event approaches, organizers remain committed to fostering dialogue on these critical issues, despite the initial setback.
