Newsletter January 2026

News and topics related to the party’s policies, current events, member voices, and more

Recent Events

Charter of Rights & Freedoms, torn in half


Federal Court of Appeal Upholds Ruling: Emergencies Act Invocation Unlawful

In a victory for civil liberties, Canada's Federal Court of Appeal unanimously ruled on January 16, 2026, that the 2022 invocation of the Emergencies Act during the Freedom Convoy protests was unreasonable, ultra vires, and violated Charter rights to freedom of expression (s. 2(b)) and protection against unreasonable search and seizure (s. 8).

The court upheld the 2024 Federal Court decision, confirming the government failed to meet the strict statutory threshold for a public order emergency. Measures like bank account freezes and protest funding bans were deemed unjustified overreach.

The Libertarian Party of Canada wishes to express gratitude for the care and difficult work performed by interveners in the Federal Court of Appeal Emergencies Act case, including but not limited to the Attorney General of Alberta, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), the Canada Constitution Foundation (CCF), and other individuals.

Commentary

NEW? WORLD. ORDER.

In 2025, Mark Carney called China the biggest threat to Canada’s security. But he recently travelled to China and returned with a message — he announced Canada is embarking on a “NEW … WORLD … ORDER”

He paused for effect.

Libertarians know that Mark Carney’s “new world order” isn’t new at all. It’s just governments tightening their grip, dressing up control as progress while individuals fight for basic freedoms.

Same cycle, different year.

"Buyback" Pushback

The Liberal Government's rebranded gun confiscation scheme has fortunately received pushback from various cities and provinces. From the Toronto Police, NDP run Manitoba, and many more refusing to assist in this waste of your tax dollars, this farce is receiving the rightful pushback it deserves.

But this is not enough. Gun Rights have been slowly eroded over years and remain vulnerable. The LPoC will fight to enact lawful protections for Gun Rights and work with the provinces to secure constitutional protections for Canadians.

Member’s Voice

Hi, I'm Derek Elliott,

Derek Elliott portrait

A dedicated Libertarian living in Niagara Falls, Ontario, whose political journey is as diverse as my life experiences.

Having lived across the globe, including a year in Finland and another in the Philippines, my perspective on liberty is shaped by a broad understanding of different societies. A former Ontario Libertarian Party candidate for Nipissing and a past candidate for North Bay City Council, I have a history of actively engaging in politics. I also served as the former Deputy Leader of the Libertarian Party of Canada, demonstrating my commitment to the movement at a national level.

For me, my ideology is a nuanced one, placing me on the spectrum between an Anarcho-Capitalist (AnCap) and a Minarchist, reflecting a belief in minimal government intervention while still acknowledging a very limited role for the state. A married man with a son, I emphasize that my passion for freedom is not just an abstract idea, but a principle I hope to pass on to the next generation.

At the core of my libertarian philosophy is a fervent opposition to the minimum wage, which I have made my number one policy goal. I can argue that this government intervention disrupts the fundamental principles of supply and demand in the labour market. A minimum wage hurts small businesses by increasing their operational costs, often forcing them to lay off staff or freeze hiring. This ultimately leads to lower job creation, which I know is  counterproductive to economic growth. Furthermore, a more subtle but equally damaging effect: the minimum wage, without a corresponding increase in the basic tax exemption, effectively pulls more low-income earners into the tax bracket, creating a larger pool of taxpayers and increasing the tax burden on those who can least afford it.

I believe that to make serious headway, the libertarian movement must inject  more passion into its message. I feel that a purely academic or economic approach, while important, often fails to inspire the broader public. For me, the fight for liberty is a personal and emotional one, rooted in the desire for a better future for my family and my community. I stress that by sharing personal stories and demonstrating genuine enthusiasm, libertarians can connect with people on a deeper level and turn philosophical principles into a compelling call to action. It’s this blend of personal conviction and political experience that drives my vision for a more free and prosperous society.

Written By Derek Elliot
- former Deputy Leader

Important Dates

  • National Conference: May 2–3, 2026

Ensure your membership is paid up so you are eligible to vote and fully participate in elections at the upcoming National Conference.

Planning is underway. You will be able to attend online or in-person  (Moncton NB, and Airdrie AB). Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

Are You A Member?

By becoming a member of the Libertarian Party of Canada, you send a strong message for Less Government, Lower Taxes, and More Freedom.

Membership gives you the chance to shape policy, vote in party leadership, and get involved at the local level with candidates and associations. Together, we can grow a movement that puts freedom first.

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