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Policy Submissions

Policy Submission March 27, 2024

Briefing Note Submitted to the PSDPA Review Task Force

In this submission to the Task Force reviewing the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, Canada’s whistleblower protection legislation, the Centre for Free Expression puts forward a small number of changes to the legislation that are essential if it is to afford any real protections to those who speak out about problems and wrongdoing.  CFE points out the urgent need for change given that in the 17 years since the law came into effect, during which time more than 500 people have submitted formal complaints of reprisal, not one has received any remedy.
Policy Submission February 9, 2024

CFE Closing Submission to the Foreign Interference Commission

CFE urged the Commission to act on the testimony of expert panels and witnesses that there is an immense public interest in transparency regarding foreign interference. "The Commission cannot defer to the Government of Canada’s conclusions on what can and cannot be disclosed [but must] be prepared to seek recourse in Federal Court on an expedited basis" in the event the Government attempts to overly restrict public access to essential documents about foreign interference.
Policy Submission April 26, 2023

CFE Presentation and Submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates on Bill C-290, An Act to amend the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.

The video of the presentation by CFE Senior Fellows David Hutton and Ian Bron, and accompanying submissions [Briefing Note on Bill C-290, a detailed Written Assessment of Bill C-290, an Evaluation of the Effects of Bill C-290’s proposed changes to the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act and CFE’s Evaluation Criteria for Protection of Whistleblowers: A guide for legislation and policy] are available by clicking the above link.