The United States and Canada each have laws prohibiting such things as incitement to violence, libel, and copyright infringement. However, The United States Supreme Court continues to disallow laws barring expression of hateful opinions, whereas the Supreme Court of Canada continues to uphold anti-hate speech laws.
Does Canada have the same freedom of speech as America?
The Canadian Charter or Rights and Freedoms is the equivalent to our Bill of Rights. Both guarantee the right to freedom of speech and the press, peaceably assemble, travel, due process, privacy, an attorney and speedy trial in criminal cases, and trial by jury in certain cases.
Does Canada limit freedom of speech?
Freedom of expression in Canada is not absolute; section 1 of the Charter allows the government to pass laws that limit free expression so long as the limits are "reasonable and can be justified in a free and democratic society".
Why is freedom of speech an issue in Canada?
Canada strongly believes that media freedom remains an important part of democratic societies and essential to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. People need free media to provide them with accurate information and informed analysis to hold governments to account.