Under the previous government, scientists protested the strict control over their ability to speak publicly about their work.

Under the previous government, scientists protested the strict control over their ability to speak publicly about their work.
Photo Credit: Margo McDiarmid/CBC News

‘Dark age’ drops Canada’s press freedom ranking

May 3 is World Press Freedom Day and Canada fell 10 places to 18th on a new list compiled by Reporters Without Borders. A report from this global press watchdog describes the tenure of Canada’s former Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a “dark age” for journalism. Globally, the report notes a “deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom” around the world.

People in Cairo protested the police detention of two journalists on May 2, 2016. This was one of many demonstrations in support of press freedom around the world.
People in Cairo protested the police detention of two journalists on May 2, 2016. This was one of many demonstrations in support of press freedom around the world. © Brian Rohan/AP Photo

Journalists list Canada’s transgressions

The group Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) cites several reasons for Canada’s poor performance under the government that was voted out of office in October 2015. There were fights with official watchdogs who sued the government for information about budget cuts. There was what it called “an abysmal record” on access to information, which is protected by law in Canada. It cited the muzzling of civil servants, and the centralization of government information and communications.

The new government issued a statement today saying “Canada resolutely supports journalists, human rights defenders, bloggers and all other who use media platforms to promote inclusion and diversity, demand transparency and accountability from their governments, and ensure the rights of all individuals are respected…

‘No person should ever be afraid’

“No person should ever be afraid to speak freely. No person should ever face intimidation, harassment, violence or death for voicing an opinion.” The CJFE says that so far, Canada’s new government has made some positive policy changes that support free expression, such as “unmuzzling federal scientists.” But it is watching closely to see whether the trend continues.

The countries at the top of the Press Freedom ranking are Finland, the Netherlands and Norway. At the bottom are Turkmenistan (178th), North Korea (179th) and Eritrea (180th)

Categories: International, Politics, Society
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