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TORONTO – This morning, the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) released a new resource to help Canadians better understand freedom of expression in Canada. 

The CCF’s Frequently Asked Questions on Free Speech in Canada provides clear, accessible answers to common questions about how freedom of speech works, where it applies, and how courts have interpreted it.

The guide explains that freedom of expression, protected under section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, covers all attempts to convey meaning (including political, artistic, and controversial expression) and that government limits must be justified as reasonable in a free and democratic society. Questions answered include:

• What are the purposes for protecting freedom of expression?
• Do students have freedom of expression at school?
• Do university and college students have the right to freedom of expression on campus?
• Does the Charter protect my freedom of speech rights in the workplace?
• What types of content are protected by freedom of expression?
• What is “hate speech” and is it protected in Canada?

Josh Dehaas, the guide’s author and Interim Litigation Director for the CCF, said the FAQ is intended to be a useful resource for everyday citizens, journalists, academics, and activists.

“Freedom of speech is what allows us to debate ideas, govern ourselves as a democracy and uncover the truth of things generally,” Dehaas said. “It’s my hope that this guide will help Canadians better understand how freedom of speech works in practice.”

Access this brand new content by clicking here.

The CCF also recently released an updated version of the book Free Speech in Canada: A beginner’s guide from ancient roots to current controversies, by Josh Dehaas and Christine Van Geyn. The first edition of this popular introduction to freedom of speech has sold more than 1,000 copies and has garnered a 4.8-star customer review rating on Amazon.ca.