In a series of its first proposed laws, the Carney government seems to be targeting essential rights and freedoms long valued in Canada — *Strong Borders Act* [(Bill C-2)](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/securingborder/strengthen-border-security/understanding-strong-borders-act.html), *Act respecting Cybersecurity, amending the Telecommunications Act* [(Bill C-8)](https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c8_2.html), *Combatting Hate Act* [(Bill C-9)](https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c9_2.html), and *Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act* [(Bill C-12)](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/securingborder/strengthen-border-security/understanding-stregthening-canada-immigration-system-borders-act.html). What may appear as isolated legislative changes form a broader picture of creeping restrictions on privacy, expression, and civic participation essential in a democratic society.

Why is the government doing this? Are there better alternatives? Join a panel of leading experts exploring these questions. Co-sponsored by [PEN Canada](https://pencanada.ca/).

Panelists:

* Karen Cocq — Co-Executive Director, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change
* Tamir Israel — Director of the Privacy, Surveillance and Technology Program, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
* Anaïs Bussières McNicoll — Director, Fundamental Freedoms Program, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
* Tim McSorley — National Coordinator, International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group
* Rizwan Mohammad — Senior Advocacy Officer, Government Affairs & Public Policy, National Council of Canadian Muslims

Moderator:

* Matt Hatfield, Executive Director, OpenMedia

**\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \***

This is an online conversation and audience Q&A presented by Toronto Metropolitan University's Centre For Free Expression. It is open to the public and held on Zoom. Please contact us at cfe@torontomu.ca for questions or feedback about our events.

About the [Centre For Free Expression](https://cfe.torontomu.ca/) at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University):

The Centre for Free Expression, launched in 2015, is a non-partisan platform focused on freedom of expression — the human right to hold opinions and to seek, receive, and share information and ideas. It works in collaboration with academic and civil society organizations across Canada and internationally and is based in the Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).

Through public education and engagement, commentaries, legal analysis, research, and advocacy, the CFE attempts to deepen the understanding of freedom of expression rights and the relationship of freedom of expression to individual development, advancement of knowledge, democracy, and social justice.

The CFE provides help to those whose freedom of expression rights are infringed; advises governments and non-governmental organizations on laws, regulations, policies, and practices that enhance transparency and the public’s right to know; serves as a friend of the court in cases related to expressive freedom; and provides training and assistance for the protection and promotion of intellectual freedom, academic freedom, artistic freedom, public interest whistleblowing and freedom of the press.

CFE’s initiatives are guided by an advisory board of distinguished Canadians and by specialized expert working groups.

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