Exterior view of Co-op Wellness Commons with MHC crest

News & Events

Events and Freedom of Expression

Medicine Hat College welcomes a wide range of people, ideas, and events. Sometimes that includes groups we may not personally agree with. The Alberta Independence Tour was booked through our standard rental process, and under the Freedom of Expression Policy, the College does not restrict events based solely on viewpoint.

The College recognizes that this event has caused frustration, disappointment, and anger for some members of the community. These reactions are understood and taken seriously. When issues affect students, staff, or community members, the College has a responsibility to listen and to respond with care.

At the same time, protecting freedom of expression is a foundational principle in post-secondary education. Allowing an event to proceed under established policies does not signal endorsement; rather, it reflects the College’s responsibility as a public institution to apply its policies fairly and consistently.

Medicine Hat College remains committed to transparency in how decisions are made. This page offers information and answers to help build understanding. 

Thank you to everyone who has shared their perspectives and engaged thoughtfully and respectfully with this issue. Ongoing dialogue and care for our community help to strengthen Medicine Hat College as a place of learning and respect.

Freedom of Expression 
Medicine Hat College is committed to upholding freedom of expression as a foundational principle of public post secondary education in Alberta. The full statement on Freedom of Expression is located on this website. This phrase may be most relevant:  
  
“Debate and deliberation must not be suppressed simply because the ideas put forward are thought by some, or even most, to be unwelcome, uncomfortable, unwise, wrong-headed, disagreeable, deeply offensive, immoral or false. It is not Medicine Hat College’s role to protect individuals from such ideas. It is for individuals to judge the nature of ideas and opinions for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress expression but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Our role is to support an open exchange of ideas, including those that may be controversial, unpopular, or challenging.”  


Questions and Answers

Any member of the public can rent facilities at Medicine Hat College, if their events follow our policies.  

 

There is a formal process to book a space on campus. Individuals and organizations can complete a request form and a member of our hospitality and conference services team will connect to provide details regarding cost and services.  

 

Medicine Hat College requires a rental agreement and event insurance in order to complete a booking.

Events held at Medicine Hat College must adhere to our Facility Bookings policy and our Respectful Work and Learning policy.  
 
These policies state that internal and external users can book a space at Medicine Hat College when they are not required for college activities or priorities. MHC reserves the right to refuse an event request based on but not limited to simultaneous functions due to catering services, noise factors between the areas, and disruption to campus life and safety. If MHC believes that external organization requests are not consistent with MHC’s mandate or values, or will be in contravention of MHC policies or procedures while on campus, MHC has the right to refuse to rent to those organizations or groups. 
 
In this case, freedom of expression has become a central part of the discussion. Although the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms does not place freedom of expression above other values, it does require public institutions like Medicine Hat College to apply policies in a way that does not discriminate based on viewpoint.  
 
Our Freedom of Expression Statement reflects that legal responsibility. While we can and will support those affected by controversial events, we cannot deny facility access solely because of the opinions being expressed. 
 
Medicine Hat College’s Respectful Work and Learning policy states that members have a responsibility to contribute to a work and learning environment that is free from any form of disrespectful behaviour, discrimination, harassment, or workplace violence and no person acting on behalf of MHC will deny, or discriminate against, any person or group of people with respect to accommodation services or facilities customarily available to the public.
 
Medicine Hat College’s commitment to freedom of expression means we do not approve or deny bookings based on the viewpoints of the group involved. Allowing a group to use space does not mean the college endorses their views. It reflects our obligation to apply our policies consistently and maintain institutional neutrality.
In the event an individual or organization is promoting discrimination or hate against others, or the safety of those on campus is at risk, Medicine Hat College may decline an event booking.
Allowing external partners to book a space on campus does not mean the college is sponsoring, promoting, or endorsing their message. Our commitment to freedom of expression allows any individual or organization to access our campus, while maintaining institutional neutrality.
In accordance with our Facility Bookings policy, while teaching and learning is MHC’s core business, the use of college facilities by community groups is encouraged and facilities are made available to external users when not required for college activities or priorities.
Yes. Our commitment to freedom of expression means we do not approve or deny bookings based on the viewpoints of the group involved. Allowing a group to use space does not mean the college endorses their views. It reflects our obligation to apply our policies consistently and maintain institutional neutrality.    
Medicine Hat College is a non-partisan organization that supports open inquiry. This means that any member of the public can book a space on campus, even if their views do not align with those of the individuals who work on campus.
Yes. In the past the college worked to create a safe environment for a student-planned protest related to Gaza. The college has also encountered and addressed apparent censorship of a poster placed on a campus bulletin board.

Yes, we are aware of other organizations that have chosen to cancel this event. As private businesses, these venues do not have the same obligations regarding freedom of expression that apply to public post‑secondary institutions.

Medicine Hat College must apply its policies consistently and cannot deny access based solely on the viewpoints involved. 

For more information, please contact eventsmhc@mhc.ab.ca.