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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.

The Latest

News February 23, 2021

City of North Bay named recipient of municipal 2020 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy

The City of North Bay, Ont., has been named as the recipient of the 2020 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy in the municipal category.  The city is being recognized because of repeated efforts to circumvent basic transparency and accountability measures expected of democratic governments. Among the laundry list of concerns brought to the attention of the Code of Silence jury were:  
Freedom of the Press, Access-to-Information
News February 17, 2021

Edgar Schmidt joins the Centre for Free Expression Whistleblowing Initiatives Steering Committee

Senior Justice Canada lawyer and former whistleblower, Edgar Schmidt, is joining the Centre for Free Expression Whistleblowing Initiatives Steering Committee, the body that guides all aspects of the Centre’s work on whistleblowing issues. “Edgar will bring invaluable experience and knowledge to the Centre for Free Expression’s advocacy, assistance, research, and public education with respect to whistleblowing,” said James L. Turk, director of the Centre. 
Page February 17, 2021

Artificial intelligence another avenue for government to thwart transparency

By Ken Rubin Treasury Board rules note that departments should categorize just how risky their planned uses of AI are. Those algorithm impact assessments could help the public understand the risks and uses of AI. Under the current broad exemptions of the Access to Information and Privacy Acts, the details of departmental AI use could be denied as being proprietary or matters of national security, law enforcement and government economic interest.
Access-to-Information