Church of Scientology: Public Affairs and Human Rights Canada

SCIENTOLOGY VIDEO CHANNEL LAUNCHES AT SCIENTOLOGY.ORG

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:22:00 +0000

JUNE 2008
The Church of Scientology has launched a new video channel on its official website (http://www.scientology.org/). The Scientology Video Channel provides a comprehensive overview of the basic beliefs and practices of the religion while answering the question ‘What is Scientology?’, as well as information on the many humanitarian programs sponsored by the Church – programs addressing drug abuse, illiteracy, human rights and disaster relief.

The video channel contains 82 broadcast-quality videos, comprising almost 3 hours of content. These videos have previously been available for viewing by the general public in Church exhibitions around the world.

By making the Scientology Video Channel available on the Church’s website, the Church is able to provide far more expansive and enlightening information to those who have questions about the religion. Visitors to the Scientology Video Channel wondering just ‘what is Scientology?’ can request a free book entitled “A Description of the Scientology Religion” or obtain other basic books about Scientology or Dianetics.

As Scientologists number in the millions and come from all walks of life, included in the online content are statements from Scientology parishioners themselves expressing why Scientology is their chosen faith.

The Church of Scientology has always considered the Internet a resource for disseminating accurate information about the religion, concentrating on using the Internet to promote its message and mission in the world. Since 1996, Church sites have provided hundreds of thousands of individual pages of material and images on the religion. These sites are available in most major languages and are visited by tens of millions each year.

The Church firmly believes that understanding is achieved throughknowledge and information. It is in this spirit that the Church is putting this special video channel online designed to answer the question most often asked: What is Scientology?

The Church of Scientology encourages anyone desiring information about the Scientology religion to visit the Church Video Channel at http://www.scientology.org/.

OVER 15,000 EDUCATED ABOUT DRUGS

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:48:00 +0000

CANADA

Over the past year, the Drug Free Marshals, with the support of many community groups, including the Church of Scientology, have distributed over 15,000 booklets educating people about the dangers of drugs. The booklets, entitled "The Truth About Drugs", gives people the facts so they can make a truly informed decision when confronted with the opportunity to take drugs.

As part of their ongoing campaign, the Drug Free Marshals have also signed up over 4,000 for the "Drug-Free Pledge", wherein the signee pledges to live a drug free life and to assist their family and friends to do the same.

For more information about how you can get your own copies of the "Truth About Drugs", visit

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/

CANADIANS CELEBRATE HUMAN RIGHTS DECLARATION WITH EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:44:00 +0000

CANADA, 10 December 2007 - In honour of the 59th anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, many youth groups, advocacy organizations and human rights agencies held celebrations over the December 9th weekend.

In Ottawa, it was an interfaith vigil, held in front of the Human Rights Monument at Ottawa City Hall. Members of various faiths gathered and each presented different articles on the Declaration. The gathering, co-sponsored by the World Conference on Religion and Peace and the National Capital Peace Council had the theme of "Freedom to Believe".

In Toronto and Montreal, it was educational booklets and a petition - all to educate Canadians about their human rights and to encourage the government to uphold the declaration so that one and all have the ability to stand up for their own rights, as well as the rights of their fellows.

In BC, it was Human Rights day at Simon Fraser University where members of Youth for Human Rights distributed booklets containing the Universal Declaration as well as gathered signatures on a petition to encourage the Canadian government to fully implement the Universal Declaration.

To learn more about what human rights are, or about Youth for Human Rights International, visit To learn more about what human rights are, or about Youth for Human Rights International, visit http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/

Drug-Free Marshals Christmas Festival Held at Toronto City Hall

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:42:00 +0000

Toronto, 25 November 2007: The Church of Scientology of Toronto's Drug-Free Marshals held their 19th Annual "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" Christmas Festival at Nathan Phillips Square. Cassondra Paletta, Miss Teen Canada International 2008, was the special guest and gave an inspirational speech on the impact of drug addiction on families. Also joining the festivities was Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson and Superintendent Hugh Ferguson of 52 Division of the Metro Toronto Police Services. Those who attended enjoyed live music, crafts, Santa Claus and entertainment for children.

The highlight of the afternoon was the swearing in as Drug-Free Marshals of all the children and adults in attendance including Miss Teen Canada, Superintendent Ferguson and Mr. Thompson.

"It is very important that young people learn about the harmful effects of drugs before they come in contact with them. Our Drug-Free Christmas festival has been a wonderful way for kids to have fun and also find out about the dangers of drugs for almost two decades," stated Melanie Dickson-Smith, Coordinator of the Toronto Drug-Free Marshals program. For more information on the Drug-Free Marshals and their activities, see drugfreemarshals.scientology-tor.ca.

City of Montreal acknowledges efforts of Church volunteers

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:54:00 +0000

Montreal, 19 April 2007: The City of Montreal launched today its 2007 action plan for city cleanliness, Operation Montreal.net, at a special luncheon held for over 100 city volunteers in the City Hall's Honour Room.

As part of the briefing on the new campaign, city officials acknowledged the work of members of the Church of Scientology who last year were awarded a "Golden Broom" from the City for their cleanup efforts.

The City of Montreal is encouraging community groups to get involved in the welfare of the city. More information is available on the their website.

Church of Scientology of Moscow Wins Landmark Decision In European Court of Human Rights

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:33:00 +0000

Strasbourg, 4 April 2007: In a unanimous landmark decision today, the European Court of Human Rights (First Section) found in favor of the Scientology religion, upholding the religious freedom of Scientologists throughout the forty-six nations that comprise the Council of Europe, in a precedent-setting ruling that will help guarantee these rights for people of all faiths. The court overturned the Moscow City government's refusal to register the Church of Scientology of Moscow as a religious organization.

In a landmark decision today, the European Court of Human Rights found in favor of the Scientology religion, upholding the religious freedom of Scientologists throughout the forty-six nations that comprise the Council of Europe.

The Court in its opinion "referred to its settled case-law to the effect that, as enshrined in Article 9, freedom of thought, conscience and religion is one of the foundations of a 'democratic society' within the meaning of the Convention. It is, in its religious dimension, one of the most vital elements that go to make up the identity of believers and their conception of life, but it is also a precious asset for atheists, agnostics, skeptics and the unconcerned. The pluralism indissociable from a democratic society, which has been dearly won over the centuries, depends on it."

The Court went on to find that "In the light of the general principles outlined above, the ability to establish a legal entity in order to act collectively in a field of mutual interest is one of the most important aspects of freedom of association, without which that right would be deprived of any meaning. The Court has expressed the view that a refusal by the domestic authorities to grant legal-entity status to an association of individuals may amount to an interference with the applicants' exercise of their right to freedom of association. Where the organisation of the religious community is at issue, a refusal to recognise it also constitutes interference with the applicants' right to freedom of religion under Article 9 of the Convention. The believers' right to freedom of religion encompasses the expectation that the community will be allowed to function peacefully, free from arbitrary State intervention."

The Court then found that in view of the Court's finding above "the reasons invoked by the Moscow Justice Department and endorsed by the Moscow courts to deny re-registration of the applicant branch had no legal basis, it can be inferred that, in denying registration to the Church of Scientology of Moscow, the Moscow authorities did not act in good faith and neglected their duty of neutrality and impartiality vis-à-vis the applicant's religious community. In the light of the foregoing, the Court considers that the interference with the applicant's right to freedom of religion and association was not justified. There has therefore been a violation of Article 11 of the Convention read in the light of Article 9."

Elena Saycheva, spokesperson of the Church of Scientology of Moscow, praised the court's ruling saying, "This decision not only confirms the rights of churches of Scientology, but also sets another important precedent to protect the rights of all other religious communities in Europe."

In Church of Scientology Moscow vs Russia (Application no. 18147/02), the Church of Scientology of the City of Moscow filed an application regarding the refusal of the Moscow department of Justice to re-register the Church as a religious organization. The Church of Scientology of Moscow was first registered in 1994. After a change in the law the Church filed an application for re-registration. The Church complained that the refusal of its application violated fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.

In today's decision, the European Court of Human Rights unanimously confirmed that the Russian Federation violated the Church's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 11 (freedom of assembly and association) of the European Convention on Human Rights read in the light of Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion).

This finding guarantees protection for Scientology churches not only in Russia but also in all 46 member nations over which the Council of Europe has jurisdiction.

The Scientology religion was founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The first church was established in the United States in 1954. It has grown to more than 7,500 churches, missions and groups and ten million members in 163 nations. The Russian Federation has more than 40 Scientology churches and missions from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok.

Dianetics Display to be held at Edmonton City Hall

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 21:35:00 +0000

Edmonton, 25 March 2007: As part of the City of Edmonton's "Celebration of Our Faiths" program, the Church of Scientology will be setting up a display about L. Ron Hubbard's Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health in the City Hall's City Room from May 8th to May 29th. May 9th commemorates the 57th anniversary of the publishing of Dianetics which is now the world's number one best-selling self-help book of all time with over 21 million copies sold and available in over 50 languages.

The word Dianetics comes from the Greek dia, meaning “through” and nous, meaning “soul”, and is defined as “what the soul is doing to the body.”

Dianetics is a methodology which can help alleviate unwanted sensations and emotions, irrational fears and psychosomatic illnesses (illnesses caused or aggravated by mental stress). It is most accurately described as what the soul is doing to the body through the mind. The source of any negative emotion, attitude or feeling is fully revealed in Dianetics. The causes of a person’s feelings of grief or loss are buried in the person’s reactive mind, able to influence and control the person. Dianetics technology guides a person through his or her reactive mind to locate — and permanently eradicate — the actual source of the upset. With the cause of the upset handled, the person is once more able to live a happy, healthy life.

More information on Dianetics is available at http://www.dianetics.org or for the Edmonton display, contact Rebecca Lee at the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Edmonton, 10255 97th Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0L9, tel: 780-425-3662 or 780-990-1070 Email: cofsedm@telus.net

The "Celebration of Our Faiths" program is offered by The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action to give Edmontonians the opportunity to learn about the various faiths in the city.

The City Room is open weekdays: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. , Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Toronto Area Interfaith Council Launched

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:32:00 +0000

Toronto, 20 March 2007: Today at the University of Toronto Conference Centre, the inaugural meeting of the Toronto Area Interfaith Council was held. Thirty-five faith groups along with another 15 interfaith organizations were represented in the audience of 190 which were welcomed by Toronto Mayor David Miller.

Mayor Miller in his comments stated, " “I am very proud to have the opportunity to be here and to support the Interfaith Council. It is something that Toronto can contribute to the world like no other can… Interfaith dialogue and shared activities build bridges and promote mutual understanding, good community relations, tolerance and acceptance. This breakfast crosses all divides and allows us to discover the connections that are common between all people and their fundamental right to practice their religion with dignity and respect.”

The Mayor also unveiled a plaque with the TAIC Mission Statement which states:

“The Toronto Area Interfaith Council is dedicated to affirming the importance of ethics, spirituality and faith in daily life and to the promotion of understanding, harmony, respect and acceptance among the faith communities of the Toronto area.”

Reverend Earl Smith, representing the Scientology religion, participated on the TAIC Working Committee, the group of religious leaders headed by Fr. Damian MacPherson, Director for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, which formed the council. The project was started in late 2004.

Other religious leaders attending the breakfast included Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomas Collins, Anglican Bishop Colin R. Johnson, Archbishop Sotirios of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Very Rev. Lois Wilson, Imam Hamid Slimi, Pandit Roopnauth Sharma representing the Hindu faith and Ven. Man Yee Fa Shi representing the Buddhist tradition.

For more information see http://www.interfaithunity.ca/taic.htm

Church hosts "Drug Information Night"

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 19:26:00 +0000

Toronto, 26 February 2007: The Church of Scientology of Toronto held a successful "Drug Information Night" this evening at their location on Yonge Street. The purpose of the evening was to brief neighbours and community leaders in the area on the Church's drug awareness campaigns. Staff Sergeant Don Campbell, head of the Greater Toronto drug squad, was the keynote speaker and he provided an informative talk on the enforcement side of the drug problem in Toronto with a very lively question and answer period following.

Melanie Dickson, the drug awareness campaign coordinator for the Church, gave a briefing on the Church programs which encompass the largest single anti-drug campaign on the planet. More information can be found at
drugfreemarshals.scientology-tor.ca.

Grammy Award-Winning Record Producer Credits L. Ron Hubbard for His Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 01:53:00 +0000

Los Angeles, 17 February 2007: Top honors for "Best Traditional World Music" were awarded Sunday night at the 49th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles to the Soweto Gospel Choir for their CD, Blessed. Record producer, Scientologist, Robin Hogarth, was inspired in his work by L. Ron Hubbard's vision of the potential of Southern Africa.

"We are thrilled at this honor. It's every musician's dream and for us the dream has come true," said the choir's Executive Producer Beverly Bryer, who accepted the award in Los Angeles along with the choir's Musical Director Lucas Bok, Choir Master David Mulovhedzi and Record Producer Robin Hogarth. "How proud we all feel in bringing the Grammy home to share with the nation."

"This is a tremendous honor for the choir and all who worked so hard on the album, and for South Africa," said Robin Hogarth, the producer of the album. "The importance of this cannot be underestimated."

Soweto is South Africa's largest urban black community, with an estimated population of between 1 and 3 million people. In the early 1900s, the area consisted of dwellings for Black mine workers. And with apartheid, Soweto, which stands for South Western Townships, became synonymous with the worst of the country's racist policies, with hundreds of thousands of Black Africans forcibly evicted to the townships from Johannesburg.

The region was at the center of the social changes that have swept the country for the past 50 years. In 1955, the Freedom Charter — a declaration of equal rights for all South Africans — was drawn up in Soweto. That document provided the foundation of the African National Congress and support for Nelson Mandela's struggles to eliminate apartheid. In 1976, student riots engulfed Soweto, enflamed by the violent reprisals from police, and ignited the resistance movement that ultimately brought an end to apartheid in 1991, establishing the right to vote for all South Africans in 1993.

"Through the years of turmoil, and Nelson Mandela's long walk to freedom, the music and art of South Africa played a vital role in expressing the hope and aspirations of the people," Hogarth said. "Soweto Gospel Choir members are representative of South Africans everywhere, and this award highlights what can be achieved."

The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed four years ago, comprised of the best choral talent from local churches. They have spent the majority of the time since, traveling around the world performing — representing South Africa's musical heritage, and acting as ambassadors for former president Nelson Mandela's AIDS foundation, called "46664." The number 46664 was Mr. Mandela's prisoner number and is used as a symbol of the oppression of this horrible disease.

In 2006, the United Nations reported that while African countries below the Sahara comprised just over 10% of the world's population, 63% of all people with HIV — about 24.7 million — live in that region. Additionally, 2.1 million people in those countries have died of AIDS, accounting for 72% of all AIDS deaths worldwide.

Through its tours in Europe, Australia and the United States, the Soweto Gospel Choir has raised more than $500,000 for its own charitable foundation, Nkosis Haven Vukani, which helps AIDS orphans who receive little or no government assistance toward the necessities of life - food, shelter and school clothing. The choir were guest artists in "United for the Stars" in 2006, where, in addition to performing, they backed-up Diana Ross and Christina Aguelera. That event raised money for Unite Against Hunger and Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.

In congratulating the Soweto Gospel Choir for winning its prestigious Grammy Award, South African President Thabo Mbeki commended the group for its charitable work, an expression of "Ubuntu" (humanity), and said, "Through their unique African Gospel music, the choir continues to bring joy to audiences around the world."

Record producer, Robin Hogarth, explained that he was inspired by his studies of the Scientology religion to use music to uplift people and improve social conditions. "Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard said, 'From Southern Africa will spring the next great civilization.' The spiritual energy in African music is so rich and diverse," said Hogarth. "There is something very special about its moods and rhythms. I believe this music can inspire the spirit of brotherhood that can unite all people and bring about the civilization Mr. Hubbard predicted."

Executive Producer Bryer told the South Africa Press Agency, "The choir will continue to spread the much-needed messages of love, joy and hope to audiences throughout the world — regardless of their color, language or faith."The choir's first two CDs, Voices From Heaven and Blessed both reached number 1 on Billboard's "World Music" chart in the U.S. And in 2003, they also won "Best Gospel Choir" at the American Gospel Music Awards.

The group is currently touring the United States.

Outrage over Lack of Investigation into Duplessis Orphans

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:16:00 +0000

Montreal, 5 February 2007: Freedom Magazine, le Commission des citoyens pour les droits de l’Homme Québec and survivors of the Duplessis Orphans today held a press conference at the Atwater Library to demand an investigation into the massive human rights violations still unresolved surrounding the incarceration of tens of thousands of normal Québec children in psychiatric institutions during the reign of Québec premier Maurice Duplessis. It is estimated that up to 100,000 healthy children were labelled as mentally ill and put in instititional care between 1940 and 1960. Many of the children were used as guinea pigs and experimented upon with unapproved psychiatric drugs, given unnecessary brain operations, electric shocked and labelled for life as mentally ill.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service Commemoration

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:56:00 +0000

Los Angeles, 8 January 2007 -- Members of the Church of Scientology participated in the kickoff to the 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at a press conference held at Hillcrest Elementary School in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. Leisa Goodman, human rights director of the Church of Scientology International, moderated a panel of community leaders including David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and Reverend Warren Dolphus of the National Alliance for Faith and Justice that urged citizens concerned about their communities to take action to better them, not just on the Martin Luther King holiday but year round.

Metro Hall Welcomes Human Rights Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 04:47:00 +0000

Toronto, 10 December 2006: Youth for Human Rights Canada along with the City of Toronto sponsored a special event marking Human Rights Day in Toronto. The afternoon commemoration held at Metro Hall on Sunday had twenty human rights groups involved including the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology. Singer/song writer and YHRI national spokesperson Sarah Melody hosted the afternoon and former Toronto Argonaut Orlando Bowen along with prominent Toronto human rights activist Charles Roach provided keynote addressses. Montreal's The Sound of Reason provided entertainment with their inspirational human rights lyrics.

Journée Internationale des Droits de l'Homme in Quebec

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:38:00 +0000

Quebec, 10 December 2006: Journée Internationale des Droits de l'Homme was marked by a special event held by the Association Youth for Human Rights of Quebec at 655 Rue St. Joseph in downtown Quebec. Special guests included Marianne Fortier, star of the popular Quebec film "Aurore," Martine Gagné of UNICEF-Québec, Israël Almendras from Chile who spoke about torture under the Pinochet regime, and Grand Chief Max Gros-Louis of the Huronne-Wendat nation. Elyse Lebel of the Association was the host for the afternoon along with Johanne Plourde of the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology.

Human Rights Day Celebrated in Vancouver Church

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 02:14:00 +0000

Vancouver, 11 December 2006: The Youth for Human Rights International B.C. Chapter held an event tomark the 58th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Rights. Reverend Susan Kerr, Human Rights Director for the Church of Scientology hosted the evening at the Scientology church. Guests included church members and religious leaders from other faiths and Students for Darfur.

Vancouver Human Rights Day Vigil for Darfur

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 21:15:00 +0000

Vancouver, 10 December 2006: United Nations Human Rights Day in Vancouver was marked by a special human rights vigil held at Simon Fraser University's downtown campus. The vigil focused on the continuing tragedy of genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan in Africa. A series of human rights experts, including Reverend Susan Kerr of the Church of Scientology, spoke on the deadly challenge of Darfur which was highlighted by an emotion-packed slide show depicting the rape and brutilization of women and children in the area. A moment of silence with candlelight was held.

Ottawa Interfaith panel marks 25th Anniversary of UN Declaration

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 17:33:00 +0000

Ottawa, 25 November 2006: The Ottawa Bahai Centre on Saturday hosted the Capital Region Interfaith Council's (CRIC) interfaith forum on the need for religious tolerance. The forum was organized to mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Elimination o f all Forms of Intolerance.

Toronto Drug-Free Christmas Festival Reaches Thousands

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:33:00 +0000

Toronto, 26 November 2006: Today the Toronto Drug-Free Marshals held their 18th annual Christmas Festival at Nathan Philip Square outside Toronto City Hall. A beautifully sunny afternoon greeted the thousands of Torontonians who descended on the square to skate or take in the festivities.

Ten-year-old DFM Marshal Madison Whitmore, from the city hall stage, encouraged kids of all ages to be drug-free by participating in the kids' drug-free community essay contest as well as to take the Drug-Free Marshal Pledge.

Mayor David Miller Honours Drug Free Marshals

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 23:12:00 +0000

The newly re-elected Mayor of Toronto, David Miller, has sent a letter of congratulations to the Drug-Free Marshals on behalf of Toronto City Council for their upcoming annual Drug-Free Christmas Festival, this year to be held at Toronto City Hall.

Mayor Miller states "The Drug-Free Marshals is a youth-driven initiative sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Toronto. Here, thousands of young people are encouraged to be drug-free, supported and encouraged to explore their potential and are educated and empowered to live fulfilling and meaningful lives...I want to thank you all for your support toward this goal, it is deeply appreciated."

2006 marks the 18th year of the annual Drug-Free Marshals Christmas Festival, making it one of the longest consecutive running community festivals in Toronto. To download a copy of the letter, go here.

Leadership in Drug Prevention and Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 22:48:00 +0000

Over the last several weeks, Churches of Scientology and their members have directed drug awareness activities reaching hundreds of thousands of Canadians throughout the country, educating them about the dangers of drugs and the benefits of a drug-free life.

In Ottawa on Saturday November 18th, the Drug Free Marshals participated once again in the annual Help Santa Toy Parade. An estimated 100,000 people were along the parade route and took in the Drug-Free Marshals and their school bus float. The parade was televised live reaching hundreds of thousands more. The Drug Free Marshals every year walk along the parade route and get hundreds of signatures from youth and adults to their Drug Free Marshal Pledge.

Thousands of Montrealers were introduced to La Vérité sur la Drogue campaign this past weekend as well. With a large drug awareness display set up on Mont Royal, hundreds of booklets were distributed to interested passersby. Several teachers who stopped at the display expressed interest in getting more copies for their students.

The Drug-Free Marshals in Toronto got a big boost for their upcoming street festival when famed actor and Scientologist John Travolta dropped by to show his support. Mr. Travolta helped to start the Drug-Free Marshals campaign back in 1993 when he and the director of the Los Angeles Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Drug Demand Reduction Program "swore in" 200 children from 6 to 13 years old as the first Drug Free Marshals.

Canada Edition Freedom Magazine Now On-line

noreply@blogger.com (public affairs) — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 21:41:00 +0000

Toronto, 12 November 2006: The Canadian edition of Freedom Magazine, the voice of the Church of Scientology, is now on-line at http://freedommag.scientology-tor.ca.

The Canadian Freedom is one of 20 affiliated editions of magazines and journals published by Scientology churches in 16 countries. Freedom conducts investigative reporting in the public interest and bring answers to issues of vital interest to society. The flag ship edition of Freedom is published by the Church of Scientology International in Los Angeles.

The award winning story "Crime of the Century?," by Christine Hahn and Freedom editor Thomas G. Whittle, is featured in both English and French on the site. This indepth feature article exposes the horrendous abuses suffered by thousands of young children placed in orphanages-turned-psychiatric hospitals during the reign of Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis and how justice has been denied the survivors. The American National Federation of Press Women awarded the exposé 1st place winner in the category "Writing for the Web" this past September.

Back issues of both the French and English editions of Freedom are archived the site.