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Freedom of Expression and the Public's Right to Know

Genuine democracy, advancement of knowledge, individual self-development, and social justice depend on a society in which freedom of expression and the right to know are a reality for everyone. The Centre for Free Expression works to advance these rights though public education, advocacy, law reform, research, advisory services, policy analysis, assistance to courts, and organizational collaborations.

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Blog June 3, 2025

Where Are the Canadian Teachers?

I recently returned from a visit to Mexico, staying for a few days near the Zocalo, the historic centre of Mexico City. Seeing this part of the city was a significant challenge. The great square that is the Zocalo, as well as most of the streets feeding into it, were blocked by hundreds of tents. The tents were strung up between buildings and covered by large tarpaulins, protecting the thousands of people in the tents from the intense heat and the occasional rain. After we left, the protesters marched on the airport, finally receiving international media coverage. Who are these people?
Blog May 29, 2025

Captive Audiences and Bubble Zones

Supporters of the recently enacted bubble zone by-law in Toronto argue that the law is necessary to protect individuals, who are entering and leaving places such as synagogues and religious schools, from harassment and intimidation by protestors. While very little was said in these debates about the protection of “captive audiences” from speech they find objectionable, this concern is, I think, implicit in the claim that the speech of protestors, and more particularly pro-Palestinian protestors, is harmful. 
News May 28, 2025

CFE joins call for reform of Canada’s approach to digital policymaking

In a joint letter today, the Centre for Free Expression (CFE) joined with 13 other Canadian civil society organizations and digital policy experts in delivering a joint letter to key federal ministers, urging fundamental reform of Canada's approach to digital policymaking.
News May 27, 2025

Kenneth Gariepy joins CFE working group on Intellectual Freedom

The Centre for Free Expression (CFE) at Toronto Metropolitan University announced today that Dr. Kenneth Gariepy is joining its Working Group on Intellectual Freedom. The Working Group guides CFE’s work in assisting libraries across Canada in promoting and defending intellectual freedom and in resisting demands for censorship.