Who We Are - Freedom to Read

For 40 years, the Book and Periodical Council (BPC) was the driving force behind Freedom to Read Week. The BPC brings together a diverse range of organizations that support the written-word sector in Canada. It provides members with opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building that will strengthen their individual and collective impact on the industry.

In 2024, four influential organizations—Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, the Ontario Library Association, and the Book and Periodical Council—joined forces to propel Freedom to Read Week into its next chapter. Together, these organizations reinforce the campaign’s mission and drive continued growth in such areas as content creation and programming.

Statement on Freedom of Expression

A statement of the basic tenets of the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council.

Read our Statement on Freedom of Expression

Position Statement: Freedom of Expression and Freedom to Read

“Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms . . . thought, belief, opinion, and expression.” — Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right of all Canadians, and freedom to read is part of that precious heritage. Our Committee, representing member organizations and associations of the Book and Periodical Council, reaffirms its support of this vital principle and opposes all efforts to suppress writing and silence writers. Words and images in their myriad configurations are the substance of free expression. The freedom to choose what we read does not, however, include the freedom to choose for others. We accept that courts alone have the authority to restrict reading material, a prerogative that cannot be delegated or appropriated. Prior restraint demeans individual responsibility; it is anathema to freedom and democracy. As writers, editors, publishers, book manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and librarians, we abhor arbitrary interpretations of the law and other attempts to limit freedom of expression. We recognize court judgments; otherwise, we oppose the detention, seizure, destruction, or banning of books and periodicals – indeed, any effort to deny, repress, or sanitize. Censorship does not protect society; it smothers creativity and precludes open debate of controversial issues.

Endorsed by the Book and Periodical Council, February 5, 1997.
Reaffirmed by the Book and Periodical Council, February 28, 2017

Freedom of Expression Committee

Historically, the BPC’s Freedom of Expression Committee monitored censorship issues in Canada, organized the annual Freedom to Read Week, and produced an information kit each year on issues of intellectual freedom. Freedom to Read Week would not have been possible without the dedication of its committee members, government funders and industry sponsors, in-kind contributors and the many volunteers across the country who held events and organized activities.

Statement on Freedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression Committee

Join the Conversation about Freedom to Read