Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and Ryerson University’s Centre for Free Expression are co-hosting a discussion session to address the growing threats to Canadians’ right to know.
It is being held on Friday, May 8, 2015, at the Rogers Communications Centre, Ryerson University, 80 Gould Street in Toronto. Tickets are $10 each.
The one-day conference, titled “Flying Blind”, will engage participants in conversation on the current challenges to creating, accessing, and sharing information in Canada, while working to create a path forward. It will feature experts working with the system and advocating for change. They are expected to provide insights into what needs to be done to foster a truly informed public.
Organizers say the Canadian government is preventing the gathering of vital information through cuts to science and its elimination of important statistical surveys.
They also say failure to keep records of the processes used to make important decisions makes it difficult for Canadians to hold the government accountable. In addition, extensive delays, redactions and exemptions are rendering our access to information system ineffective.
”We’ve too often taken our right to know for granted, and it’s quickly slipping away,” says Tom Henheffer , the CJFE’s executive director. “But, Canadians are starting to wake up and demand transparency and openness from the government. With an election looming, this is the perfect time to have that conversation and find some real solutions.”
For tickets and more details, log on to: cjfe.org/flyingblind
