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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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News September 18, 2019

CFE Launches Workplace Free Expression Legal Database

The Centre for Free Expression in collaboration with Charles Smith and Daniel J. Paré has launched the Freedom of Expression @Work Database today. The searchable, online database contains legal decisions regarding dismissals and discipline of employees for use of social media in the workplace and outside of work.
Workplace Free Expression
Blog September 18, 2019

Free to express yourself outside of work? Workplace discipline in the age of social media

Barely a day goes by without reading a new story about employees being punished, fined, fired or shamed for engaging in online conversations about the workplace. Social media is radically transforming the relationship between employees and their employers in a host of ways not the least of which is its capacity to simultaneously augment peoples’ ability to express their voice and employers’ ability to monitor and discipline employees. 
Charles Smith
Daniel J. Paré
Workplace Free Expression
News September 13, 2019

BPC Bulletin: Censorship Exhibition in Quebec City

News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carterof the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee   In Quebec City, an exhibition about censorship and its manifestations is expected to occur this month. L’aise space will host the exhibition which will begin on September 19 and end on September 29. Quebec’s cultural council provides the details:
News September 4, 2019

BPC Bulletin: Your Ward News Publisher and Editor Sentenced in Toronto

News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carterof the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee   In Toronto, the publisher and editor of Your Ward News have been sentenced in court for promoting hatred against women and Jews. LeRoy St. Germaine, the paper’s publisher, was sentenced to 12 months of strict house arrest.
News August 19, 2019

BPC Bulletin: Indigenous Government Tries to Silence Whistleblower

News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carterof the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee   In northwestern British Columbia, the Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) is trying to legally silence one of its employees. Andre Cardinal, an information technology manager, alleges the NLG is guilty of misconduct. His allegations have not been proven in court. REPORTAGE