Freedom to read week emphasizes the right of all Canadians to freedom of expression

“The freedom to read, including the freedom to choose what to read, belongs to each and every person,” said Franklin Carter, editor and researcher for the Book and Periodical Council’s (BPC) freedom of expression committee. “The authority to determine what people read does not belong to the government or any other self-appointed group.”

Launched on Sept. 16, 1984, Freedom to Read Week has served as a reminder to Canadians about censorship threats, while encouraging them to celebrate having the freedom to read.

The Book and Periodical Council is an umbrella organization for associations who are involved in the writing and editing, publishing and manufacturing, distribution, and selling and lending of books and periodicals in Canada.” This organization also includes the freedom of expression committee who monitors censorship in Canada, and is responsible for Freedom to Read Week.

Carter added that members of the committee aim to maintain this freedom of expression for all Canadian writers, the freedom to read for Canadians readers, and access to information for Canadians readers and writers.

While many public libraries and schools in Canada are having books and magazines removed from their shelves after being deemed inappropriate or offensive to certain audiences, that’s not the case at George Brown College (GBC)

“In the almost 28 years that I have been responsible for the libraries at GBC, there have not been any user incidents that have resulted in our having to ban or remove books from the library collection because of  language, perspectives or content.” said John Hardy, GBC’s director of academic services and learning resources.
While the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees Canadians the right to fundamental freedoms such as thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and expression, participating in Freedom to Read Week is a reaffirmation of the Canadian commitment to an intellectual freedom.

“Freedom to read week remains necessary to remind Canadians of the importance of that freedom and to prevent its erosion,” said Carter.

For more information students can visit freedomtoread.ca