(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a 5 October 2001 CJFE media release: CJFE Urges Government to Respect Freedom of Expression in its Fight against Terrorism As the federal government prepares a package of anti-terrorism legislation for introduction in Parliament, a leading Canadian journalists’ organization has called on it to reject curbs on free expression or […]
(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a 5 October 2001 CJFE media release:
CJFE Urges Government to Respect Freedom of Expression in its Fight against Terrorism
As the federal government prepares a package of anti-terrorism legislation for introduction in Parliament, a leading Canadian journalists’ organization has called on it to reject curbs on free expression or proposals for increased surveillance that would trample basic citizens’ rights and obstruct the work of reporters.
In a letter to Justice Minister Anne McLellan, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression says the organization is alarmed at reports of proposals that would restrict media freedom through Internet surveillance and changes to the Official Secrets Act.
“We believe an effective counter-terrorism campaign demands not only the preservation of fundamental liberties but also the vigorous assertion of their importance,” CJFE president Arnold Amber says in the letter.
In responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, “the Government must bear in mind Canada’s long and honourable tradition of respect for free expression, and avoid introducing any measures that would shackle it,” Amber says.
News reports suggest the government may amend the Official Secrets Act to prohibit disclosure of information that might jeopardize “essential infrastructure” or information given to Canada in confidence by its allies. There are also proposals to increase surveillance of the Internet and restrict the circulation of information over it.
Amber says CJFE will view “with grave concern” any attempt to introduce new powers to prohibit the publication of information. The vagueness of “essential infrastructure” could make it a crime to inform Canadians about matters of vital public concern, he adds. Furthermore, attempts to ban the disclosure of information given in confidence “could expose journalists to prosecution for disseminating material that is offered, received and published in good faith, and clearly in the public interest.”
CJFE will “vigorously oppose” any attempt to harass, intimidate or obstruct the work of journalists through Internet surveillance or by any other method, Amber writes. On behalf of the organization, he urges the government “to establish a consultation process with interested parties and the public for any legislation that may restrict freedom of expression, allowing ample time for discussion and reconsideration.”
CJFE is a private, non-profit organization of journalists and freedom-of-expression advocates dedicated to the defence of persecuted journalists and the promotion of free expression in Canada and around the world.
