Podcasts
Police Surveillance and Civil Liberties
The growing number of police technologies may serve legitimate police purposes but raise serious questions about civil liberties and privacy.
Countering “Hate Speech”
Canadians and Canadian universities are struggling with the rise of hate and hateful speech. Demands for censorship are growing. But do tougher laws and university regulations against “hate speech” work?
The Future of Investigative Journalism is Here
A new model for investigative reporting is emerging in Canada with a unique mandate: replace journalistic competition with collaboration.
Privilege and Power
How does talk of "privilege" both illuminate and obscure our society's most basic concentrations of power?
The Censorship of Art
Throughout history, art has been censored for challenging standards of decency, propriety and good taste. That history of censorship continues in Canada today.
CFE Anti-SLAPP legislation workshop
Presentation by Peter Jacobsen, one of Canada’s top media and defamation lawyers. Ontario Anti-SLAPP legislation ("Protection of
WARNING! How the Secrets of Body Care and Cleaning Products Impact You Health
Chemicals in personal care and cleaning products you use regularly have been linked to fertility problems, birth defects, cancer, asthma and respiratory disorders, and hormone disruption.
Are Arts Funders Starting to Define the Art?
Critics have charged that arts funders in Canada have begun imposing bureaucratic rules that compromise artistic freedom. Join four prominent experts who will explore this issue in a lively discus
Battling Secrecy
Ken Rubin will share his experiences and expertise in this talk – bringing to life with examples of what access to information can do, what barriers journalists and the public face, and how to over
White License, Free Expression & Death Threats: The Challenges of Confronting Racism
When Johnny Eric Williams used controversial racially-charged language on social media to draw attention to systemic racism, he faced death threats and was suspended by Trinity College.
You Can’t Say That! – Teachers’ Rights to Free Expression
While free expression is a Charter right, teachers face serious limitations on what they can do and say in school and outside.
You’re being watched: How we can expose the watchers and protect our rights
Edward Snowden’s documents are a gold mine of information about how we are being watched. Light will look at privacy, the role of telecommunications providers, key surveillance programs and introduce the Snowden Archive-in-a-Box
Hate, Trolls and Freedom of Expression Online: What to do?
The surge in both online abuse demands we reconsider the thorny question of how democratic societies deal with abusive discourse while preserving the right to free expression.
Don’t Shoot the Messenger! The Importance of Whistleblowers in the Public and Corporate Worlds
Whistleblowers typically pay a huge price for their openness and honesty. Why is that? What can be done to protect them and the public interest.
All Governments Lie: Film & Discussion
Award-winning Canadian filmmaker, Peter Raymont, the film’s producer, will discuss the making of the documentary and the issues it raises.
Journalists, Free Expression & Mexico's War on Drugs
An inside look at what’s happening to journalists and free expression in Mexico, which, since 2006, has become one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists.
Should charities have the same free expression rights as corporations?
An expert panel discusses the restrictions on charities, what it means for citizens' free speech and democracy, and what should be done.
Is This the End of the Web as We Know It? How Facebook and Other Large Companies are Closing the Open Web
Corporate control, and the "tyranny of the popular." Fake news, filter bubbles, and apps as "walled gardens." Have we lost a free and democratic internet?
Seeing Cuba from Behind the Tourist Curtain: An Evening with Filmmaker Enrique Colina
Enrique Colina is an eminent Cuban filmmaker, director and film critic who will share his reflections on Cuba through conversation and film clips.
Is There a "Rape Culture" in Canada? A Critical Conversation
"Rape culture” has become a key concept as Canadians try to understand and effectively address sexual assault and sexual violence.
Making Criticism a Crime: Criminal Libel and Free Speech
Lisa Taylor will reveal new research that shows a resurgence of criminal libel prosecutions for criticism of the police and others in power or authority.
Is Fear of Terrorism jeopardizing your rights? Bill C-51 and National Security
The federal government is asking Canadians how far they want to go in sacrificing rights and freedoms in the name of fighting terrorism. What is at stake for you, your family and friends, and demo
Why the Secrecy? Police Conduct and the Public’s Right to Know
Should reports of investigations of police behaviour be made public? How should the competing interests in transparency, accountability, privacy and confidentiality be dealt with?
Can Medical Science Be Trusted if its Authors are Ghosts?
Much of the apparently scientific literature on drug safety and effectiveness is ghost-written by the pharmaceutical industry, but published under the names of eminent academic researchers. David H
How to Protect Your Privacy in the Digital World
With a pre-recorded cameo appearance by Edward Snowden.
Whose Pain Goes Viral? Economies of Empathy After Paris 2015
In this illustrated talk Len Findlay will examine the historical interplay of fame and infamy, information and authority, to help frame the current notion of “going viral” and how suffering overpow
Is it time for journalists to abandon the ideal of neutrality?
Traditionally journalists have been expected to be neutral, non-partisan, and dispassionate in relation to the stories they cover. But is that possible? Does it serve the public interest?
What will Bill C-51 mean for freedom of expression and civil liberties in Canada?
Two distinguished Canadian experts will discuss what C-51 will mean for our freedom of expression and civilities.
Our State Is Watching Us: Mass surveillance and free expression in Canada after Snowden
Andrew Clement will provide an overview of the main state surveillance programs revealed through Snowden's leaks, particularly as they affect Canadians, and highlight the various threats they pose