The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the fundamental “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.”
The Supreme Court of Canada’s 2009 Decision on Grant v. Torstar Corp. ruled that “the law of defamation should be modified to provide greater protection for communications on matters of public interest.”
“The [Ontario] Ombudsman’s Office oversees and investigates more than 1,000 provincial government and broader public sector bodies, such as provincial ministries, Crown corporations, tribunals, agencies, boards and commissions, and municipalities, universities, and school boards.” To submit a complaint to the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman, click here.
Ontario’s Protection of Public Participation Act exists to “reduce the risk that participation by the public in debates on matters of public interest will be hampered by fear of legal action.”
“The Whistleblowing International Network is an emerging global coalition of organizations with experience advising whistleblowers and protecting them through the courts, in the press and in national legislatures.”
“The Centre for Free Expression at Ryerson University is a hub for public education, research and advocacy on free expression and the public’s right to know.”