Sometimes You Have to Hold Your Nose

Recent controversy over the parodying of the "Don't Be That Guy" posters against sexual assault have found their way into the Edmonton Public Library. The group claiming responsibility for the "Don't Be That Girl" posters, Men's Rights Edmonton (MR-E) has been called into question for the campaign in recent days. It recently caught the attention of some Edmontonians using Twitter that MR-E plans on hosting a lecture on boys in education at the Stanley Milner branch of the library.

In response to concerns expressed on Twitter, EPL cited the Canadian Library Association (CLA)'s Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom:

. @KateBoorman @brittanyinyeg Like most Cdn public libraries we support the CLA's Statement on Intellectual Freedom: http://t.co/CbqW8Pzlm5
— Edm Public Library (@EPLdotCA) July 11, 2013

The ensuing conversation debated whether or not MR-E can be defined as a hate group, which would make it exempt from coverage by the CLA's statement. Certainly, this is debatable; however, at present, MR-E has not been designated as such in Canadian law. Thus, the group is still afforded protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and by extension by the CLA.

Whether you agree with the group's message or not, regardless of how offensive you may find it, part of the library's mandate is to provide a space where there is freedom to speak -- and the room for debate.

World Press Freedom Day and Freedom of Expression in Canada

World Press Freedom Day was observed on Friday, May 3 2013. To mark this day, UNESCO condemns killing of journalists and dedicates a page to journalists who were killed in the exercise of their profession. This is a tribute to remember their contribution to freedom of expression, democracy, and peace.  The 2013 theme, "Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media" brings attention to an increasing concern for online safety, safety for journalists, and the state of press freedom throughout the world. Freedom of expression is not an isolated right but requires securing  protection and promotion of all other human rights, such as the right to speak freely and freely without reprisal.

It is important to create an environment where journalists can seek information and express themselves freely. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case in Canada. Canadian Journalists For Freedom of Expression (CJFE) launches the Review of Free Expression in Canada, 2012-2013, to highlight some discerning trends in respect to freedom of expression for journalists and citizens. CJFE reports the systemic delay of access to information for journalists, the muzzling of scientists, some government surveillance of activists, (in particular Aboriginal activists), an autopsy of Bill C-30 or commonly known as the Internet surveillance, the legal action taken to prevent police from posing as Ontario Provincial Press journalists to investigate activists, denying citizens the right to assembly, citing the Quebec student protests and many more cases. Very thought provoking!

Additional information to consider, Reporters Without Borders For Freedom of Information released Press Freedom Index for 2013 in which Canada is now ranked 20th, falling 10 spots from the previous year.