Quebec amends its bill to protect
freedom of expression
(Quebec) The Legault government is amending its bill to protect elected officials from intimidation, in order to respond to the concerns of the media and the labour federations, and specifies that it does not want to harm freedom of expression. But there are still grey areas, critics say.
"We added amendments, that's for sure, because freedom of expression is essential, and we need journalists, they are essential. We just want to look for opportunities to save [municipal elected officials] on the brink of the abyss," pleaded the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, during the study of her bill to protect elected officials.
Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs
Several provisions of this bill have been harshly criticized by the major union federations and the bosses of Quebec's main newsrooms, including La Presse.
"We added amendments, that's for sure, because freedom of expression is essential, and we need journalists, they are essential. We just want to look for opportunities to save [municipal elected officials] on the brink of the abyss," pleaded the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, during the study of her bill to protect elected officials.
Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs
Several provisions of this bill have been harshly criticized by the major union federations and the bosses of Quebec's main newsrooms, including La Presse.
