Centre for Free Expression
Description
The Centre for Free Expression is a non-partisan platform focused on freedom of expression. It launched in 2015. Freedom of expression is the human right to express one’s views, to be heard, and to participate in political, artistic and social life. Its work also covers the right to know, meaning the right to seek, receive and share information through any media.
The Centre works in collaboration with academic and civil society organizations across Canada and internationally. It is based in the Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University. Through public education and engagement, commentaries, legal analysis, research and advocacy, the Centre aims to deepen understanding of freedom of expression rights. It looks at how they relate to individual development, the advancement of knowledge, democracy and social justice.
It provides help to people whose freedom of expression rights have been infringed. It advises governments and non-governmental organizations on laws, regulations, policies and practices that enhance transparency and the public’s right to know. It also serves as a friend of the court in cases related to expressive freedom.
It also provides training and assistance for the protection and promotion of intellectual freedom, academic freedom, artistic freedom, public interest whistleblowing and freedom of the press. The Centre’s initiatives are guided by an advisory board of distinguished Canadians and by specialized expert working groups. It is based in Toronto, Canada.
Latest news
Ricardo Acuña joins the CFE Advisory Board
Ricardo Acuña, executive director of the Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta, is joining the Centre for Free Expression's (CFE) Advisory Board.
16 Sep 2026
Sharon Day joins the CFE Advisory Board
Sharon Day, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), is joining the Centre for Free Expression’s (CFE) Advisory Board.“We are delighted that Sharon Day is joining our Advisory Board,” said James L. Turk, Director of the CFE. “She is one of the leading...
14 Sep 2026
Standing Up for What You Are: A Guide for a Positive Response to Provincial Demands
Alberta library staff and boards face a serious dilemma. How should their libraries respond to the provincial government's unprecedented steps to override a long and unblemished tradition of local governance of Alberta’s public libraries which began 119 years ago?
1 Sep 2026A Positive Option for Alberta Public Libraries: Stand Up for What You Are
It’s decision time. The Alberta government is directing you to abandon what has made your public library what it is today – locally governed, with collections based on the needs and interests of your community, local policies, and competent staff to ensure that everyone in your community finds...
20 Aug 2026
Democracy, Access to Information, and Young People’s Right to Information
The past year marked a turning point for expressive freedom in Canadian libraries. While debates over library collections, programs and services are not new, recent developments reveal a broader shift in the relationship between governments, public institutions, and the public’s right to seek...
5 Aug 2026Alberta Orders Censorship in All Public Libraries: What Are Libraries’ Options?
The government of Alberta has imposed unprecedented censorship on all public libraries in the province – a first in Canadian history. In May, the government pushed through Bill 28, giving the Minister of Municipal Affairs virtually unlimited authority over almost all aspects of all Alberta...
27 Jul 2026
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