For Immediate Release

Ottawa – On Wednesday, May 23, 2018, the BCCLA will make oral arguments at the Supreme Court of Canada in a critical case for the freedom of the press, Vice Media Canada Inc. et al v. Canada. The case considers a court order made under s. 487.014 of the Criminal Code requiring Vice Media Canada Inc. and its news reporter Ben Makuch to provide certain information to the police.

The BCCLA’s position is that a judge making an order to compel information from a journalist must balance the public interest in the investigating and prosecuting crime with the public interest in the media’s right to gather and disseminate the news. In its oral argument, the BCCLA will outline the factors that a judge should consider when balancing these two important interests.

The BCCLA is represented by Tae Mee Park and Andrew W. MacDonald of Bersenas Jacobsen Chouest Thomson Blackburn LLP.

Our argument is available here.

What: oral arguments in the case Vice Media Canada Inc. et al v. Canada.

When: hearing begins on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 7:00 am PT / 10:00 am ET.

Where: Supreme Court of Canada (Ottawa)

Who: Caily DiPuma, BCCLA Acting Litigation Director, available for comment in Vancouver. Contact by email [email protected] or phone 604-630-9758 (office) 604-3491423 (cell).