Understanding Canadian Defamation Law
The defamation lawsuit is a concern for anyone who speaks or writes about controversy. To help you better understand defamation law, we’ve put together this primer.
Articles
Selected stories from the Freedom to Read Review
Word Warrior: Alvin M. Schrader in Conversation with Julie Payne
In 2015, Alvin M. Schrader marked the fortieth anniversary of the year that he embarked on his career as a librarian and educator. During those four decades, he has been a passionate advocate for the role of the library as a vehicle for free expression, an outspoken critic of Internet filtering and an ardent spokesperson for the inclusion of LGBTQ materials in library collections.
Brian MacLeod Rogers: Just Cause
If you want to learn about the evolution of Canadian free expression law over the past 30 years, there is no better place to look than the career of lawyer Brian MacLeod Rogers. His career encompasses defamation and libel law, journalists’ right to protect their sources and the principle of open courts.
Heiltsuk Cultural Architect: Jessie Housty in conversation with Elizabeth Raymer
In the early morning of July 12, 2013, a fire destroyed the Thistalalh Memorial Library in the island town of Bella Bella, B.C. The community was devastated, but Housty resolved to build a new one.
Cyberspace Visionary: Ron Deibert in Conversation with Josh Bloch
Ron Deibert is one of the most important and prominent figures defending human rights and free expression in the rapidly shifting frontier of media and technology.
Enduring Advocate for Free Expression: John Ralston Saul in Conversation with Brendan de Caires
In February of 2011, the Writers’ Union of Canada awarded John Ralston Saul its Freedom to Read Award. The award honours Canadians who have made a significant contribution to defending the right to read and write freely without fear of reprisal.
Breaking Ground: Patsy Aldana in Conversation with Peter Carver
Patsy Aldana is the publisher of Groundwood Books in Toronto, which produces children’s books for all ages, including fiction, picture books and non-fiction. In recent years, at least two of Groundwood’s titles have been attacked for their content.
Challenges in Every Generation: Alan Borovoy in Conversation
Alan Borovoy battled for freedom of expression many times in the 41 years that he was at the helm of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), but he will always remember one of the earliest cases.