Canadian Freelance Union supports C-51 Charter challenge

TORONTO, July 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Freelance Union executive board has unanimously voted to support the Charter challenge against Bill C-51, the so-called Anti-Terrorism Act, launched by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.

"As more and more journalists are working as freelancers, the protections that many journalists have traditionally enjoyed are gone," said acting president Leslie Dyson. "Without the protections of an employer, freelancers could be seen as easy targets by law enforcement and we fear that Bill C-51 could be used to bully, intimidate, or silence these precarious workers."

The CCLA and CJFE challenge argues that C-51 constitutes an attack on Canadians' protected rights under the Charter. The Anti-Terrorism Act allows for new powers of surveillance and journalists who write critically about the Canadian state could find themselves caught up under these new provisions.

"The Canadian Freelance Union executive calls on other unions to support this challenge, and find ways to demonstrate their opposition to this troubling law," said Dyson. "Protecting our civil liberties is absolutely critical and we must do everything possible to resist these kinds of oppressive laws."

The Canadian Freelance Union represents freelance workers across Canada. The CFU provides benefits and services for workers in non-traditional work environments. The CFU is a Community Chapter of Unifor.

SOURCE Canadian Freelance Union

Nora Loreto (English/Français), Quebec director, [email protected], 581-983-4397; Leslie Dyson, [email protected]