CAJ lauds Supreme Court decision on free expression

OTTAWA , Dec. 22 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists is applauding two landmark decisions issued by the Supreme Court of Canada today that give journalists a new defence against the chilling effects of a libel lawsuit.

The high court affirmed a new "public interest responsible journalism" defence in two cases involving the Ottawa Citizen's reporting on Ontario Provincial Police officer Dano Cusson and the Toronto Star's reporting on businessman Peter Grant .

"Today's ruling helps journalists do their jobs - bringing to light information that's in the public interest with a better shield against a libel suit levied to block a controversial story," CAJ president Mary Agnes Welch said.

The CAJ was part of a media coalition that argued before the Supreme Court in support of public interest responsible journalism when both cases were heard earlier this year.

The CAJ is Canada's largest professional organization for journalists from all media, representing about 1,100 members across Canada . The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for journalists and public-interest advocacy.

For further information: Mary Agnes Welch, CAJ president, [phone] or [phone]; To join the CAJ, please visit: http://www.caj.ca/membership/index.html