In order to inform the public of the events and issues of the day, to give accurate expression to political, social and cultural currents, and to promote widespread and open debate, it is essential that the media have unhindered access to sources of information. Freedom of the press is an indispensable precondition for informed public opinion and debate.

GATHERING OF INFORMATION

The media and journalists must be free to gather information about facts and events without hindrance, or threat or reprisal. In deciding what to cover and how to cover it, they must be free to exercise their editorial judgment. Outside influence or interference in this process may well constitute a form of censorship.

ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Governments have an obligation to make their administrations as transparent as possible. Public institutions and authorities have a duty to respect this democratic principle, and to facilitate access to public documents.

That the state exists to serve its citizens and is accountable to them is a principle recognized both by Quebec (in its adoption of An Act Respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information, RSQ, 1982), and by Ottawa, in its Access to Information Act, adopted in 1983. Citizens have the inalienable right to be fully informed about the actions and decisions taken by their governments and public officials.

When a government, citing the public interest, forbids or delays publication of information, it should not assume that the press will agree with it about where the public interest lies. Governments should not confuse their own interests with the public interest.

It is essential that the press have access to information regarding the government and all public institutions and organizations. Any hindrance, whether judicial or administrative, undermines the freedom of the press and the legitimate right of citizens to be informed of the events, actions and decisions that affect them.

News reports, commentaries and opinion pieces, especially those about political issues, should be free of legal restriction or censorship. The law should never be invoked to restrain the right or ability of the press to criticize any level of government, including municipal government.

Governments can help create the conditions for the existence and development of a press that is free and of high quality. Their role should be to support the public’s right of access to comprehensive and accurate coverage of the events and issues of the day. The state should avoid taking any action or enacting legislation that might limit or alter news media content.

For more information on this subject, see section entitled Publications – Statements and Memorandas .

The responsibilities related to this theme are addressed in the context of more general principles throughout the Rights and Responsibilities of the Press code of conduct.