President’s Message: 2025 September 18 | Re: Charlie Kirk

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September 18, 2025

OPA Statement Regarding the Recent Assassination of Charlie Kirk

The Ontario Paralegal Association is a non-partisan advocacy group and professional association for Paralegals in the province of Ontario, Canada.  In that role, we do significant work with a plethora of stakeholders to advance the interests of the profession whilst working with our colleagues in the profession to assist in any way possible to enhance their day-to-day practice.

Given that we are a professional organization, we purposely intend to and wish to function as a completely non-partisan entity.  Recent actions and conversations, both in the media, on social media, and through calls coming into our office, have compelled us to speak out in defence of free speech, justice, truth, and basic human decency.

The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk has stirred deep emotions, thoughts, and for many introspections.  We wish to be clear.  The OPA is committed to advocating for rights and freedoms.  The rights of one are, in principle, the rights of all.

Mr. Kirk, though controversial to some, and a hero to others, was exercising a fundamental right—the right to free speech and open discourse.  While doing so, he was murdered by a person who chose violence over dialogue.  He was murdered by a person in order to silence him rather than engaging in debate.

The circumstances of this tragedy do not alter the essential fact: Mr. Kirk was killed in direct opposition to everything our organization stands for.  Chief among these values includes the ability to advocate on controversial matters, to hold and express dissenting views, and to conduct oneself in accordance with the fundamental freedoms embraced by democratic societies.

We support Mr. Kirk in his quest for open dialogue, just as we support all persons who work to foster liberty, freedom of speech, religion, expression, and freedom from tyranny and violence.

We unequivocally condemn violence.  We do not support those who encourage or celebrate it.  Voices that revel in murder or suppression through violence are not the voices of our organization.

There is an unmistakable distinction between expressing a viewpoint—however controversial—and committing violence.  The OPA firmly supports the former, and we categorically reject the latter.

To be clear, there is a line a mile wide between speaking a position whilst asking questions vs.  Murder.

Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of our profession.  It allows us to grow, to advocate, and to serve our clients.  We stand against the silencing of voices through violence.

Change and progress must come through education, debate, and peaceful means—not fear and force.

Violence or threats do not disprove another’s argument; they merely reveal fear of open discussion.

Regards;

Bishop Dr. Matthew C. Olson / Paralegal
B.Th., M.Div., D.Div.
President / Ontario Paralegal Association

P: (226) 886-2001
E: matthewcolson1974@outlook.com