30 Challenged Publications
Canadians have long tried to remove books and magazines that they deem offensive, or inappropriate for certain audiences, from public libraries and schools.
Articles about Freedom of Expression
Provocative news articles, interviews with champions of free speech, and other articles from our annual Freedom to Read Review.
Bannings and Burnings in History
Some of the most controversial books in history are now regarded as classics. Read our selective timeline of 2000 years of censorship activities.
Censorship by the Canada Border Services Agency, 1985-2015 / Censure aux douanes canadiennes, 1985-2015
A bilingual study of the works that were either kept from entering the country or referred to the Prohibited Importations Unit in Ottawa on suspicion…
Challenged Works List
This selective list provides information on more than 100 books, magazines and other written works that have been challenged in Canada in the past decades.
Challenges to Canadian Publications Abroad
Outside Canada, would-be censors challenge and ban the works of Canadian authors. Here are three examples.
Challenges to Publications in Canadian Public Libraries
Results of the most recent Canadian Library Association surveys to investigate challenges to books, magazines and DVDs in Canadian public libraries.
Documents en français sur la libre expression et la censure au Canada
Cette liste de ressources comprend livres, articles, brochures, périodiques et autres sources d’information sur la censure et la liberté d’expression. Télécharger le PDF | Resources…
Freedom to Read Kits
Each year for Freedom to Read Week, the BPC publishes a review of current censorship issues in Canada, featuring news, interviews, and ideas for educators.
Games and Quizzes
Use these resources to educate yourself and others. Click on the images to download the PDF for printing. Word Searches and Acrostics Word Searches: See…
Index 2016
Ce document constitue une compilation non-exhaustive de 643 auteur‐es et de 1222 œuvres diffusées en français qui ont fait l’objet de tentatives de censure, réussies…
Links about Intellectual Freedom
The following is a list of Web sites on intellectual freedom. Each year we update the list by adding and deleting Web sites. Many of…
Teen Freedom to Read Week Video
This inspiring Freedom to Read Week video was made by Julia and Danika from the Calgary Science School, who won the 2013 Calgary Public Library…
Timeline: 35 Years of Free Expression in Canada
In the 35 years since the very first Freedom to Read Week, Canadians have seen many events that affect their freedom of expression.
TWUC Freedom to Read Award Winners
“The Writers’ Union of Canada is proud to present the Freedom to Read Award as part of the celebration of Freedom to Read Week across…
Understanding Canadian Defamation Law
The defamation lawsuit is a concern for anyone who speaks or writes about controversy. So, to help you better understand defamation law, we’ve put together…
What does ‘Freedom to Read’ mean to you?
For Freedom to Read Week 2016, we reached out to some Canadian Booktubers and content creators to share what Freedom to Read means to them.
What You Need to Know to Get What You Need: Access to Information
An infographic about making Access to Information requests.
When the Censor Comes
Created for teachers, librarians, booksellers and others who disseminate the printed word, this guide offers advice about dealing with would-be censors.
Works in English on Free Expression and Censorship in Canada
This resource list includes book, articles, pamphlets, periodicals, and other sources of information about censorship and freedom of expression.