We are a platform dedicated to

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

Video September 19, 2018

Privilege and Power

Panelists: Asam Ahmad, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, Sedina Fiati Moderator: Daniel Karasik

Censorship

Video June 13, 2018

CFE Anti-SLAPP legislation workshop

Presentation by Peter Jacobsen, one of Canada’s top media and defamation lawyers. Ontario Anti-SLAPP legislation ("Protection of Public Participation Act, 2015") frees publishers from the potentially devastating impact

Freedom of Expression & Its Limits, Anti-SLAPP

Blog July 5, 2018

More on Compelled Speech: Compulsory Union Dues

According to the US Supreme Court in the recent case of Janus v. American Federation of State Employees, an individual’s free speech is restricted when she is required to pay dues (or ‘agency fees’) to a union, even when the union is using those dues to support collective bargaining. Alito J.

Richard Moon

Freedom of Expression & Its Limits

Video September 6, 2018

The Censorship of Art

Panelists: Tim Edler, Anielika Sykes, Hooley McLaughlin Moderator: Paul Kennedy

Censorship

Blog June 27, 2018

State Compelled Expression: Two recent cases

Claims that the state has improperly or unjustifiably compelled individuals to speak, contrary to s. 2(b) of the Charter (freedom of expression), have recently been made in two cases.

Richard Moon

Freedom of Expression & Its Limits

Blog June 15, 2018

If I Support a Cause, Must I Fight for It on Social Media?

The last time I actually marched in a protest was a Toronto Day of Action organized in resistance to Ontario’s “Common Sense Revolution” back in the 90s. I still have Super 8 film footage of that day, showing happy, angry, determined, crowds at the march’s gathering point near the lake. I recall huge puppet masks depicting government figures of the day. I remember a sign saying “Mike Harris Eats British Beef” – it was the days of the Mad Cow scare, you know.

John Degen

Censorship