Why Journalistic Freedom Matters in Canada
Why Journalistic Freedom Matters in Canada A free press is an important part of Canadian democracy. Journalists ask difficult questions. They investigate governments and public institutions. They report on controversy and help bring information to the public that might otherwise receive limited public attention. In Canada, freedom of the press is protected under Section 2(b) […]
The Streisand Effect: When Attempts to Control Information Draw More Attention
The Streisand Effect: When Attempts to Control Information Draw More Attention The “Streisand Effect” is a widely recognized term used to describe situations where attempts to suppress, censor, remove, or intimidate criticism unintentionally attract more public attention to the issue instead. The term originated after singer Barbra Streisand attempted to remove aerial photographs of her […]
Anti-SLAPP Laws: Why Public Participation and Journalism Matter
Anti-SLAPP Laws: Why Public Participation and Journalism Matter One of the nice things about living in Canada – a democracy – is that people are supposed to be able to speak openly about issues affecting their communities. That includes questioning government decisions, criticizing public officials, reporting on local controversies, filing complaints, and discussing matters of […]
Municipal Power Has Legal Limits
Municipal Power Has Legal Limits Many people assume municipal officials are always protected from personal legal consequences because the municipality — and its insurance — will automatically shield them. That is not always true. Public Office Is a Public Trust In Canada, municipal councillors, mayors, CAOs, bylaw officers, building officials, and other staff exercise powers […]
When Municipalities Use Workplace Safety Laws to Respond to Public Criticism
When Municipalities Use Workplace Safety Laws to Respond to Public Criticism Background Across Canada, public institutions are increasingly using workplace safety language when responding to criticism from residents, journalists, and community advocates. Terms such as “harassment,” “hostile conduct,” “unsafe environment,” and “employee wellbeing” are appearing more frequently in disputes involving criticism of municipal decisions, elected […]
When Municipal Responses to Criticism Become the Bigger Story
When Municipal Responses to Criticism Become the Bigger Story Background Across Ontario, courts have increasingly been asked to weigh an important democratic question: How far can municipalities go when responding to criticism, protest, recording, public participation, or uncomfortable public scrutiny? These disputes are rarely just about one argument or one meeting. They often become larger […]