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Nov 1, 2020 · The freedom of expression is vital to our ability to convey opinions, convictions, and beliefs, and to meaningfully participate in democracy. The state may, however, ‘limit’ the freedom of expression on certain grounds, such as national security, public order, public health, and public morals.
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This article critiques one of the common justificatory approaches employed in a number of jurisdictions to frame the state’s burden to justify limitations on the freedom of expression—the proportionality test.
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2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: 1. freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.
Similar provisions may be found in the following Canadian laws and international instruments binding on Canada: sections 1(d) and (f) of the Canadian Bill of Rights; article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; article 13 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; article 5(d)(viii) of the Convention on the Elimination...
The protection of freedom of expression is premised upon fundamental principles and values that promote the search for and attainment of truth, participation in social and political decision-making and the opportunity for individual self-fulfillment through expression (Irwin Toy Ltd. v. Quebec (Attorney General), [1989] 1 S.C.R. 927 at page 976; Fo...
Canadian courts have interpreted section 2(b) very broadly, often finding a prima faciebreach easily. The Supreme Court has adopted the following three-part test for analyzing section 2(b): 1) Does the activity in question have expressive content, thereby bringing it within section 2(b) protection?; 2) Does the method or location of this expression...
1. Section 2(b) – A requirement for positive government action?
Freedom of expression generally imposes on government a negative obligation not to interfere with expression, that is to say it is freedom from government legislation or action suppressing an expressive activity in which people would otherwise be free to engage (Haig v. Canada, [1993] 2 S.C.R. 995 at page 1035; Baier v. Alberta, [2007] 2 S.C.R. 673 at paragraph 20; Toronto (City) v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2021 SCC 34 at paragraph 16). “The traditional view, in colloquial terms, is that t...
2. Does section 2(b) protect a broader right of access to information?
Section 2(b) guarantees freedom of expression, not access to information, and therefore does not guarantee access to all documents in government hands. Access to documents in government hands is constitutionally protected only where, without the desired access, meaningful public discussion and criticism on matters of public interest would be substantially impeded (Ontario (Public Safety and Security) v. Criminal Lawyers’ Association (2010), 319 D.L.R. (4th) 385; 2010 SCC 23). Where a claimant...
3. The open court principle
Section 2(b) protects the “open court principle”, a strong presumption in favour of open courts that allows the public and the press to attend hearings, to consult court files, and to inquire into and comment on the workings of the courts (Sherman Estate v. Donovan, 2021 SCC 25). The open court principle is embedded in the common law tradition and is protected by section 2(b) because it promotes the full and fair discussion of public institutions, which is vital to any democracy (Sherman Esta...
The broad scope of section 2(b) means that in most cases the constitutionality of the legislation or the government action will depend on the section 1 analysis. Generally speaking, because of the importance of the right to free expression, “any attempt to restrict the right must be subjected to the most careful scrutiny” (Sharpe, supra at paragrap...
In this article, we’ll explore what freedom of expression is, provide five examples, and discuss why and when freedom of expression can be limited. What is the definition of freedom of expression? Freedom of expression is the right to pursue, hold, and share information, ideas, and opinions.
Jul 10, 2010 · freedom of expression. International law does provide for a general three‐part test for assessing restrictions on freedom of expression, and this test has been elaborated on in numerous judgments by international courts tasked with oversight of international human
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Mar 1, 2021 · The state may, however, ‘limit’ the freedom of expression on certain grounds, such as national security, public order, public health, and public morals.
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Freedom of expression in Canada is protected as a "fundamental freedom" by section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; however, in practice the Charter permits the government to enforce "reasonable" limits censoring speech.
