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Controversies about free speech have become increasingly common in universities in Canada and the United States. In an interview with CBC’s Michael Enright, the Centre for Free Expression’s Director James Turk explores the difficult issues that are proving so divisive, suggesting that attempts to suppress speech undermines the work of the university and the possibilities for a vibrant democracy, while putting minorities and marginalized peoples at risk.

As part of its mission to foster greater public discussion of issues related to free expression, the Centre for Free Expression has launched its Occasional Paper Series. The first publication in the series is: James L. Turk and Penni Stewart, “Safe for What? Universities and the controversy over safe spaces. ”  Click here for a pdf of the paper.

Kudos to House committee for sound recommendations on whistleblower protection By DAVID HUTTON PUBLISHED : Monday, June 26, 2017 12:00 AM OTTAWA—The parliamentary committee studying Canada’s federal whistle blowing law for the past five months has unanimously called on the Trudeau government to make sweeping changes to the act.

Postponed transparency bill does little to promote access while government increases secrecy by Ken Rubin, Hill Times, June 27, 2017 p.15

Media Release Committee report puts fate of Canadian whistleblowers in Trudeau’s hands OTTAWA, June 16, 2017 - Today a House of Commons committee released its hard-hitting report that calls for a major overhaul of Canada’s inadequate federal whistleblower protection legislation. The Government Operations Committee report recommends a number of changes to provide genuine protection to federal civil servants that blow the whistle on government wrongdoing.

Nominations for the PEN Canada/Ken Filkow Prize have just opened. This $1,000 annual prize celebrates champions of free expression in Canada. The deadline for nominations is August 8, 2017. Nominees may be anyone ­– authors, journalists, public servants, scientists, professors, business people, editors, publishers, organizations and concerned citizens – whose work has advanced freedom of expression in Canada.