Fundamental Truths

Canada is facing a moment of deep uncertainty. From questions about biological reality to constitutional authority, parental rights, Indigenous relationships, economic truths, and the proper limits of government power, our society is divided, not because people disagree, but because we no longer identify or agree on the fundamental truths that underpin our country.

Fundamental Truths brings together leading legal minds, scholars, advocates, researchers, and community leaders for an honest, respectful, and forward-looking discussion about the principles that shape our lives. This one-day gathering will examine the realities of sex and gender, the constitutional order, Indigenous relations, fiscal policy, youth protection, human rights, and the proper scope of state authority.

This is not a conversation about Alberta independence, nor an exercise in relitigating past grievances. It is an opportunity to confront the truths that exist, whether we like them or not, and to explore meaningful solutions that can help Alberta and Canada chart a healthier, more stable future amid the challenges we face today.

SPEAKER BIOS

Jason Lavigne

Accredited Independent Journalist & Host of The Lavigne Show

Jason Lavigne is the host of The Lavigne Show, a Canadian journalist known for his in-depth legal and political analysis and his coverage of complex constitutional issues. His work focuses on transparency, accountability, and bringing difficult conversations into the public square. Jason introduces the event with a speech on how open conversations create open doors.

Dr. Jack Mintz

Economist & Public Policy Scholar

Dr. Jack Mintz is one of Canada’s most respected economists and a leading voice on fiscal policy, taxation, and economic competitiveness. A Distinguished Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and President’s Fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, he has advised governments in Canada and internationally on sustainable economic frameworks. Dr. Mintz is recognized for his precise, data-driven analysis and for explaining how fundamental economic truths shape the prosperity of citizens and nations.

Leighton Grey, K.C.

Constitutional Lawyer & Indigenous Rights Advocate

Leighton Grey is a King’s Counsel lawyer with decades of experience in constitutional law, Indigenous representation, and administrative legal reform. He has acted in significant cases involving Aboriginal rights and has written extensively on reconciliation, governance, and strengthening Indigenous–government relationships rooted in respect and truth rather than federal paternalism.

Mia Hughes

Director, Genspect Canada & Senior Fellow, MacDonald-Laurier Institute

Mia Hughes is a leading Canadian advocate for child safeguarding and evidence-based policy in gender medicine. As Director of Genspect Canada and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, she works to ensure that youth receive appropriate, ethical, and well-informed care. Mia is recognized internationally for her research, public education, and policy analysis on protecting minors from ideological pressure and restoring parental rights. Her work emphasizes actual science, thoughtful oversight, and the fundamental truth that children deserve caution, not experimentation.

John Carpay

President, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms

John Carpay is a constitutional litigator and founder of the JCCF, one of Canada’s most active civil-liberties legal organizations. He has led numerous Charter challenges involving freedoms of expression, conscience, assembly, and mobility. Carpay’s work centers on upholding constitutional rights against government intrusion and preserving democratic freedoms for future generations.

Bath-Shéba van den Berg

Human Rights Lawyer & Specialist in International Law

Bath-Shéba van den Berg is a barrister practicing in Alberta and Ontario as well as an international law lawyer and human rights advocate. She is known for documenting and researching government overreach and human rights violations across multiple jurisdictions, as well as advising on the rule of law and security sector reform. She's worked in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Honduras, Europe and the United Kingdom. She brings an international perspective on human dignity, governance, and the erosion of a rules-based international order.

Bruce Pardy

Professor of Law, Queen’s University & Executive Director, Rights Probe

Bruce Pardy is a lawyer, academic, columnist, and outspoken critic of the illiberal managerial state. A professor at Queen’s University Faculty of Law and Executive Director of Rights Probe, Pardy is known for his clear explanations of the rule of law, constitutional order, and the dangers of administrative authority.

Shawn Buckley

Constitutional Lawyer, Founder and Former Lead Counsel of the National Citizens Inquiry (NCI), Founder & President of the Natural Health Product Protection Association (NHPPA)

Shawn Buckley is a constitutional lawyer with over 30 years of experience defending civil liberties and challenging government authority in Canadian courts. As former Lead Counsel for the National Citizens Inquiry, he has examined the legal, ethical, and constitutional issues arising from government responses to emergency measures. His focus is on restoring foundational rule-of-law principles. Mr. Buckley is a leading expert in exposing the erosion of our health rights and the problems with our drug regulation.

Nadine Wellwood (Moderator)

Political Commentator & Public Policy Advocate

Nadine Wellwood is a policy analyst and commentator with a background in economics, media, and public affairs. She has moderated national conversations on governance, civil liberties, and the future of federalism in Canada. Nadine will lead the audience through an engaging, dynamic Q&A session.

Teresa Buckley

Natural Health Product Protection Association (NHPPA) & Former Communications Director and Executive Director for the National Citizens Inquiry (NCI)

Teresa Buckley is an advocate for truth & discernment with a focus on documenting the reality of what is occurring in our world today. Best known for her work volunteering for the NCI across Canada. She currently serves as the National Communications Director for the NHPPA. She closes the event with a message focused on practical action, community leadership and spreading foundational truths in our daily lives.

Doors Open

1:00

Prayer

2:00 (10 mins) Pastor Shawn Hamm

Speakers

2:10 (20 mins) Jason Lavigne – Opening Honest Dialogue

2:30 (20 mins) Dr. Jack Mintz – Realizing Economic Prosperity

2:50 (20 mins) Leighton Grey – Understanding Indigenous Relationships

3:10 (20 mins) Mia Hughes – Exposing Gender Ideology

3:30 (30 mins) Break

Speakers

4:00 (20 mins) John Carpay – Defending Charter Freedoms

4:20 (20 mins) Bath-Shéba van den Berg – Global Human Rights

4:40 (20 mins) Bruce Pardy – Confronting State Power

5:00 (20 mins) Shawn Buckley – Recognizing Legal Erosion

Q&A

5:20 (60 mins) Moderator Nadine Wellwood - Guiding Public Dialogue

Closing

6:20 (10 mins) Teresa Buckley - Action Through Messaging