Deborah Ellis will be Open Book Toronto’s March Writer in Residence
Deborah Ellis, author of the award-winning book
Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak, will be Open Book Toronto’s Writer in Residence. Ellis is also the recipient of the Governor General’s award for her novel
Looking for X.Visit Open Book Toronto for more info at
www.openbooktoronto.com.
Derek Finkle to Receive Freedom to Read Award from The Writers' Union of Canada
The Writers' Union of Canada has chosen as its Freedom to Read award recipient for 2008, Toronto author Derek Finkle. Finkle, a former editor of
Toro magazine, wrote the book
No Claim to Mercy, which cast doubt on the murder conviction of Robert Baltovich. A new trial was ordered for Baltovich in preparation for which the Ontario Crown subpoenaed all of Finkle's material relating to the book. Finkle, supported by five writer's organizations, successfully challenged the subpoena.
"Derek Finkle showed considerable courage and determination in standing up to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and all its resources," said Susan Swan, chair of The Writers' Union. "Had the Crown succeeded in obtaining that material, it would have cast a chill on writers who are determined to unearth wrongful convictions in the justice system."
Nancy Fleming Passed Away in Toronto, February 24, 2008
The Book and Periodical Council notes with sadness that Nancy Fleming passed away on Sunday, February 24 in Toronto. Nancy was the executive director of the Book and Periodical Council, shaping its development from 1979 to 1999. She was instrumental in organizing the Freedom of Expression Committee and Freedom to Read Week, and was a tireless supporter of freedom of expression in Canada. Nancy was the recipient of the Canadian Library Association Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada.
Her obituary, which appeared in the Globe and Mail, can be found at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/.
