CJFE marks World Press Freedom Day with annual Review of Free Expression in Canada

TORONTO, April 25, 2013 /CNW/ - On May 3, 2012, World Press Freedom Day, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) releases its 2012-13 Review of Free Expression in Canada. This is the fourth edition of the annual Review, an in-depth analysis of the state of free expression in Canada, and the only publication of its kind.

The 48-page Review is released online and in hard copy on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, created by the UN 20 years ago and celebrated on May 3.  It features a report card that grades national institutions, departments and public figures on how they have performed in key areas of free expression. A centrepiece is our annual critique of the access to information system, this year with specific proposals for reform.

In addition, there are articles on issues affecting the health of Canadian democracy and the uneven application of free speech rights across the country, including:

• The continuing government campaign to muzzle public scientists
• A shocking case of government surveillance of an activist working for better services for native children
• An in-depth analysis of the recent hate speech decision of the Supreme Court
• CJFE's ongoing campaign to stop police posing as journalists
• Federal and provincial failures to protect whistleblowers

The Review summarizes the most important free speech court cases of the past year, provides a regional round-up of free expression issues across the country, identifies future issues emerging in digital communications, and much more. CJFE believes that Canadians deserve robust and comprehensive free speech rights across the country.

The CJFE Review of Free Expression in Canada will be available online at www.cjfe.org on May 3, 2012. For an advance embargoed copy, please contact Julie Payne at [email protected].

Available for Interviews:
CJFE Board, staff and contributors to the Review are available for interviews on or about May 3 (upon request CJFE would also attempt to arrange interviews with the subjects of particular articles):

In Toronto:

• Arnold Amber, CJFE President,
• Julie Payne, manager of CJFE
• Paul Knox, journalist, professor and member of CJFE's Canadian Issues committee (avail for Spanish, English, French language interviews)
• Radostina Pavlova, writer of "Bill C-30: An Autopsy," featured in the Review

In Ottawa:

• Bob Carty, CJFE Board member and journalist

In Montreal:

• Nadine Touma, member of CJFE's Canadian Issues committee and partner of the firm Poupart, Dadour, Touma and associates (avail for French language interviews)

About CJFE
CJFE monitors, defends and reports on free expression and access to information in Canada and abroad. Rooted in the field of journalism, we promote a free media as essential to a fair and open society. CJFE boldly champions the free expression rights of all people, and encourages and supports individuals and groups in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights.

SOURCE: Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

To request interviews, please contact:
CJFE Manager, Julie Payne, [phone] x 226, [email protected]