For immediate release
Ottawa, ON – The Supreme Court of Canada has clarified today that the freedom of expression rights of individuals engaged in political expression during an election campaign are protected by the law.
In a unanimous decision in the case of BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association v. Attorney General of British Columbia, the Court ruled that the BC Election Act’s prohibition on unregistered “sponsorship” of election advertising does not capture individuals who engage in expressive activities like displaying handmade signs in their windows, placing bumper stickers on their cars, or wearing T-shirts with political messages on them. The BCCLA intervened in the case to argue that the registration requirement silences the voices of people already marginalized within the political arena: those with little money, little political power, and views that challenge the status quo.
BCCLA Staff Lawyer Laura Track: “A requirement to register your political views with the government before speaking out on issues that matter to you during an election campaign stifles spontaneous expression and may prevent some people from speaking out altogether, particularly those seeking to advance contentious, unpopular or under-represented views. The Court today held that BC’s election law does not apply to individuals engaged in self-expression. Today’s decision is an affirmation of freedom of speech for individuals engaged in political expression and debate. We remain concerned that small community groups may continue to find their expression and participation in elections is chilled by the requirement to register without any minimum threshold for spending.”
