A Canadian Conservative MP is speaking out after a university campus event he planned to host was abruptly canceled, a move he says reflects a troubling trend for open dialogue in academic spaces.
Garnett Genuis, a Conservative Member of Parliament, raised concerns this week after an event he was scheduled to lead at York University failed to receive approval from the campus student centre. The planned discussion, focused on jobs and youth unemployment, was set to take place on Jan. 9 but was ultimately called off.
Announcing the cancellation on social media on Jan. 7, Genuis initially said the decision appeared to involve the student union. He later clarified that the call was made by the York University Student Centre. The situation, he argued, fits a broader pattern in which controversial or politically sensitive discussions face growing resistance on campuses—fueling debate over free expression.
“We’ve held this same type of event at universities in four different provinces without any issues,” Genuis said, adding that he was surprised by the outcome at York.
Despite the setback, Genuis emphasized that he still wants to hear directly from students interested in discussing employment challenges. He encouraged York students to reach out to his office and share their experiences.
While some supporters suggested holding the event anyway, the MP said he decided against that option to avoid putting student organizers in a difficult position. “I’m always prepared to deal with controversy,” he explained on Jan. 8, “but I don’t want someone else paying the price for it.” He added that he expects to return to York University at a later date.
The canceled session was part of a broader series of campus discussions described as open forums, asking students whether they believe they are better or worse off than their parents’ generation. Genuis successfully held a similar event at Dalhousie University on Jan. 8 and planned another at Toronto Metropolitan University on Jan. 9.
Responding to the controversy, Jason Goulart, executive director of the York University Student Centre, told The Epoch Times that the event was not approved because it did not meet established booking policies and procedures. He stressed that the decision was administrative, not political.
“Our booking policies are applied fairly to all student groups and external organizations,” Goulart said. “In this case, the request did not provide enough information for us to properly assess the event.”
He added that organizers are free to reapply, provided the application meets the centre’s requirements.
Genuis, however, pointed out that the student centre is a body largely overseen by student representatives, suggesting the decision still reflects the campus climate around political speech.
The York University Student Centre operates with a professional management team, while its long-term direction is guided by a board that includes students and stakeholders. Somar Abuaziza, president of the York Federation of Students and a board member of the centre, said she only became aware of the planned event after media inquiries began. She emphasized that the student union does not control space bookings, which are handled by the student centre and the university’s Temporary Use of University Space office.
Meanwhile, Yanni Dagonas, a spokesperson for York University, said the institution itself was unaware of the event until Genuis posted publicly about its cancellation. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to lawful free expression.
“York University supports respectful dialogue and has hosted MPs from across the political spectrum,” Dagonas said, noting that organizers are welcome to apply for space through standard university procedures.
As debate continues, the incident has reignited discussion about whether universities are living up to their role as open forums for debate—underscoring why Conservative Lawmaker Says Campus Event Cancellation Undermines Free Expression has become a resonant headline in Canada’s ongoing free-speech conversation.