The Democracy Fund calls on federal parties to clarify positions on free speech, media funding, pandemic response, and digital currency.
As part of our mandate to defend civil liberties and uphold democratic principles, The Democracy Fund has contacted all registered federal political parties ahead of the upcoming election.
We have requested written responses to questions focused on free expression, media independence, government transparency, and financial oversight. The responses will be published in full and made available to the public across our platforms.
The five questions submitted are as follows:
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Although the "Online Harms Act" (Bill C-63) did not become law, it is possible that a similar bill regulating online speech may be reintroduced during the next Parliament. Will your party commit to upholding the right to free speech in Canada by refusing to introduce or support similar legislation censoring Canadians?
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The federal government provides subsidies or funds for various Canadian news media outlets. What is your party's position on the continued government funding of Canadian news media outlets?
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The Online News Act requires online media platforms and search engines to pay qualified Canadian journalism organizations (QCJOs) for the reproduction of news or news links. This allows the government or government agents to reward or punish news organizations through selection as, and payment to, QCJOs. Will your party commit to abolishing the Online News Act?
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Will your party commit to holding a public inquiry into the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
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Will you commit to opposing the introduction of a central bank digital currency in Canada?
This initiative is part of The Democracy Fund’s commitment to ensuring voters have access to clear, direct information from those seeking public office. In doing so, we aim to promote transparency, support civic education, and encourage meaningful public dialogue during the election period.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education. TDF supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.