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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 March 13, 2017

Can an attack on belief amount to hate speech against a religious group?

In hate speech regulation a distinction is generally made between an attack on a (religious) group, which if sufficiently extreme may amount to hate speech, and an attack on the group’s beliefs, which must be permitted, even when it is harsh and intemperate. A ban on hate speech should apply only to assertions that the members of the group are less worthy or less human than others or that they necessarily share certain undesirable traits – that they are by nature dangerous and should be treated accordingly. Attacks on belief are a different matter.
News March 3, 2017

The Hill Times publishes CFE Senior Fellow David Hutton’s critical examination of federal whistleblower protection

CFE Senior Fellow David Hutton has published an excellent 4-part series in The Hill Times that critically examines federal whistleblower protection in Canada. Click on the links below to read the articles. David Hutton, House Government Operations Committee leaps into action to protect whistleblowers, or does it?, The Hill Times, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 12:00 AM