The Supreme Court of Canada transformed the country’s libel laws Tuesday with a pair of decisions that proponents say will expand the boundaries of free speech.
The court ruled that libel lawsuits will rarely succeed against journalists who act responsibly in reporting their stories when those stories are in the public interest.
It also updated the laws for the Internet age, extending the same defence to bloggers and other new-media practitioners. …
“Freewheeling debate on matters of public interest is to be encouraged and the vital role of the communications media in providing a vehicle for such debate is explicitly recognized,” Chief Justice McLachlin said in a pair of 9-0 decisions. …
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Our politicians ususally blunder when drafting legislation around new media, clinging to flawed, outdated models. But the Supreme Court is to be praised. Click through if you want to see their names.
I’m proud to be a Canadian today … after being so disappointed this week in the lack of transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility of our Ministry of Indian Affairs,
Rick McCharles 