The Writers’ Union of Canada deplores government restrictions on communication of vital information
– Vancouver meeting of Canada’s writers calls for removal of muzzling clause –
Vancouver, May 30, 2012 – Buried within British Columbia’s proposed new Animal Health Act (Bill 37-2012) is a fresh attack on free expression in Canada.
If passed by the BC legislature at the end of this week, Bill 37-2012 will make it an offence for anyone to disclose the presence of a reportable animal disease in that province. The proposed act would provide for various penalties including a fine of up to $75,000 and/or a prison term of up to 2 years. Most alarmingly, the disclosure prohibitions and confidentiality requirements of this act would override the province's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
"In addition to putting at risk the health of Canadians if animal disease goes unreported, this act infringes the freedom of expression including freedom of the press that is guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and would have the effect of putting writers at risk," says Merilyn Simonds, newly elected Chair of The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC). "It's a particularly egregious example of the muzzling of both the press and public discourse, an alarming trend that is occurring across Canada in both federal and provincial jurisdictions."
She cites as another example, the Government of Canada's recent embargo on federally employed scientists, who may no longer talk to the media regarding their findings without permission. Earlier this spring, the Canadian Science Writers’ Association, the World Federation of Science Journalists, and several other groups sent an open letter to Prime Minister Harper, calling on him to unmuzzle federal scientists.
"We are disdainful of governments that limit public information and freedom of expression in repressive regimes around the world," Simonds points out, "and yet here in Canada, we see some of our governments pursuing similar policies."
At its 2012 annual general meeting held this past weekend in Vancouver, the Union passed a unanimous motion deploring and protesting the inclusion of Clause 16 of the Bill (which describes the embargoed information), and demanding its removal.
The Writers’ Union of Canada is our country’s national organization representing more than 2,000 professional authors of books. Founded in 1973, the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well-being of all writers.
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For additional information:
Kelly Duffin, Executive Director, The Writers’ Union of Canada
416.703.8982 Ext. 221
kduffin@writersunion.ca
www.writersunion.ca
