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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

Court Submission March 10, 2025

Ontario (Attorney General) v. Animal Justice et al. ONCA Court File No. COA-24-CV-0553

CFE Intervener Factum in the Ontario Court of Appeal This case concerns the Government of Ontario law, Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020, and associated Regulation whose stated purpose is to prevent trespass, protect animal safety, protect biosecurity of the food supply chain, protect those working with animals and prevent the adverse economic effects that these risks can create. The CFE intervention addresses how the Act and Regulation penalize employees who are prospective whistleblowers engaging in expressive activity in pursuit of truth and social discourse. The Act and Regulation also compel employee expression by mandating and controlling the timing of whistleblower disclosure. And although the Regulation purports to provide an exception for whistleblowers, it is so narrow as to be illusory.
BPC Bulletin March 9, 2025

BPC Bulletin: Banoo Zan Wins Freedom to Read Award

Bänoo Zan, an Iranian-born poet in Toronto, has won the Freedom to Read Award of the Writers’ Union of Canada.PRESS RELEASEThe Writers’ Union of Canada announces the award:Poet and Presenter Bänoo Zan Wins Freedom to Read Award | The Writers' Union of CanadaREPORTAGEIn Quill & Quire, Cassandra Drudi reports:
News February 13, 2025

CFE Co-sponsoring Colloquium on “Reporting News in a Disbelieving Age”

The manifold crises besetting journalism in Canada and internationally includes the growing public disdain for journalists and the media.  In an effort to address what can be done, the Centre for Free Expression is hosting and co-sponsoring a colloquium at Toronto Metropolitan University on June 5 and 6, 2025, titled: “Reporting News in a Disbelieving Age: Standards of practice amid the crisis in journalism's credibility.”