Who We Are - Freedom to Read

Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Book and Periodical Council (BPC), the umbrella organization for Canadian associations that are or whose members are primarily involved with the writing, editing, translating, publishing, producing, distributing, lending, marketing, reading and selling of written words.

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

The BPC’s Freedom of Expression Committee monitors censorship issues in Canada, organizes the annual Freedom to Read Week, and produces an information kit each year on issues of intellectual freedom.

Committee Members

Michelle Arbuckle (co-chair), Ontario Library Association
Sandy Crawley (co-chair), National Reading Campaign
Ron Brown, Professional Writers Association of Canada
Franklin Carter, Editorial Consultant
Cailin Cooper, Magazines Canada
Teri Degler, The Writers’ Union of Canada
Phil Dwyer, Canadian Authors Association
Kate Edwards, Association of Canadian Publishers
Emma Hunter, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
Annie McClelland, Book and Periodical Council
Jonelle St. Aubyn, Ontario Library Association

Statement on Freedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression Committee

Committee Members

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