Global Freedom of Expression

Paul Schabas: Canadian Freedom of Expression in 2015-2016 – Some Highlights

Key Details

  • Region
    North America
Following is the introduction to Paul Schabas’ presentation prepared for the annual Justice for Free Expression Conference being held on 4-5 April, 2016. Download the full pdf version below.

In Canada, the last 12 months have seen the enactment of federal legislation criminalizing terrorist speech, anti-SLAPP legislation in Ontario, and significant decisions expanding privacy law and jurisdiction over internet search engines. The Law Commission of Ontario has recently launched a comprehensive review of defamation law, and last month the federal Privacy Commissioner issued a discussion paper on Online Reputation, plainly raising whether the “right to be forgotten” should become part of Canadian law.

Authors

Paul Schabas

Judge to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Former Senior Litigation Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP