Defend Freedom of the Press

OTTAWA--The Green Party of Canada is calling on the federal government to do all it can to defend the freedom of the press and the duty of reporters to protect confidential sources, particularly in the case of Daniel LeBlanc, the Globe and Mail reporter who revealed the sponsorship scandal. A court action by one of the actors in the scandal is attempting to force Mr. LeBlanc to reveal the source of his reports on the sponsorship scandal.

”Reporters have a duty to protect their sources and the federal government should support them especially when those sources reveal governmental wrong doing,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Freedom of the press involves more than publishing the news. It requires the ability to investigate events. Often information only comes to light because a concerned citizen relies on a reporter’s promise of confidentiality. The 1970s Watergate investigation by the Washington Post that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon was based on information obtained from a confidential source that remained anonymous until a few years ago.

"Sometimes justice needs the help of a confidential source," said Green Party Justice Critic, Jared Giesbrecht.  "Reporters should not be forced to undermine the role of the free media in protecting our freedoms.  If Mr. LeBlanc is forced to reveal his sources, then legislative reforms should be very seriously considered.  The courts need to receive a strong signal from Parliament that journalists must be protected."  

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Contact:
Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
Office: 613 562 4916 ext. 244
Cell : 613 614 4916
Fax : 613 482 4632