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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 December 19, 2022

New report finds Nova Scotia’s whistleblower protection law fails on all counts

In the third of a series of reports about the adequacy of whistleblower protection laws in Canada, the Centre for Free Expression gives Nova Scotia’s Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act a failing grade on all major criteria. Despite the law’s intention of protecting people who speak up about potential or actual wrongdoing, the report finds there is no evidence that it has protected any whistleblowers since the Act came into force in 2011.
Whistleblower Protection
Blog December 19, 2022

Strong Mayor, Weak Democracy

Much criticism has been aimed at Toronto mayor John Tory and Ontario premier Doug Ford over the unprecedented powers given to Tory and to all future mayors of Toronto by the provincial legislature. Since Toronto has in recent years had such mayoral luminaries as ‘don’t want to be boiled in a pot by cannibals’ Mel Lastman as well as crack-using Rob Ford, one can only wonder what ‘evidence’ was gathered to support giving Toronto mayors additional powers.
Mariana Valverde
Freedom of Expression & Its Limits
News December 8, 2022

David Hutton wins TI Canada’s Canadian Integrity Award

Transparency International Canada has selected David Hutton to receive its Canadian Integrity Award in recognition of his work supporting whistleblowers and advocating for stronger whistleblower protection in Canada. Mr. Hutton is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University and is a member of the CFE Whistleblowing Initiatives Steering Committee.
Whistleblower Protection