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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 January 19, 2019

BPC Bulletins: Raina Telgemeier's Drama

News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee   The Ottawa Catholic School Board has decided to return Raina Telgemeier’s Drama to elementary school library shelves. Earlier this month, the school board had removed copies of the book because some parents had complained.
News January 18, 2019

BPC Bulletins: Mike Ward

News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee   In Montreal, the Quebec Court of Appeal is hearing Mike Ward’s appeal of a decision of Quebec’s human rights tribunal. Mr. Ward is a stand-up comedian. In 2016, the tribunal fined him $42,000 for repeatedly joking about Jérémy Gabriel, a young singer who has a physical disability.   REPORTAGE
Blog January 7, 2019

THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA’S VICE MEDIA DECISION: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY AND THE QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN.

On November 30, 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision in the closely watched VICE appeal.  The big question at the heart of VICE was simple:  when will courts compel the media to give police material relating to a journalist’s previously published communications with non-confidential sources for the police to use against those sourc
Justin Safayeni
Freedom of the Press
Video January 24, 2019

Whose Data and Whose City?

The deal between Google-affiliate Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto for a ‘smart city’ district on waterfront lands raises serious public issues about who will govern the massive amount of data generated from the integral surveillance proposed.
Internet and Social Media