OTTAWA, March 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Renowned Canadian author, defender of free expression and President of PEN International John Ralston Saul will speak on "Secrecy, Surveillance and Free Expression" at the Friday, May 2 luncheon at the National Arts Centre. The annual luncheon is in celebration of World Press Freedom Day, designated as such by UNESCO to highlight media freedom issues around the world.
During the luncheon, hosted by the Ottawa-based Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom (CCWPF), the 16th annual Canadian World Press Freedom Award will be presented. The Award honours a journalist or media worker who has made an outstanding contribution in the past year to the right of freedom of expression. The recognition comes with a $2,000 award and a certificate from UNESCO, sponsor of World Press Freedom Day.
Deadline for Award winner nominations is April 4.
CCWPF Vice President Guy Badeaux will announce the winners of the International Editorial Cartoon contest. This year's theme — "Big Brother is Watching You" — is inspiring cartoonists around the world.
"Without protection from illegal and unwarranted surveillance, the private communications of individuals can be chilled, leading to massive self censorship, the shackling of free speech and the creation of a Big Brother society," said Badeaux who also chairs the cartoon jury.
April 4 is also the deadline for the submission of cartoons.
Tickets to the event are $65 each, $120 for two. To reserve, RSVP Sue Allan at [email protected] by April 25.
For more on the Press Freedom Award nominations, the cartoon contest, sponsorship opportunities and additional information on the May 2 luncheon, check out our website
SOURCE: Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom
Guy Badeaux, 613.562.7506, [email protected]
Susan Korah, 613.241.4967, [email protected]
Sue Allan, 613.889.0805, [email protected]
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