The Writers’ Union of Canada deplores Barrick Gold’s demand that Talonbooks turn over the manuscript of a book by Alain Denault called Imperial Canada Inc. for its review prior to publication.

“It is unacceptable that Barrick is demanding to see the book in manuscript form before it is published,” said Erna Paris, Chair of the Union. “This is yet another case of threatened libel litigation intended to deter writers from investigating controversial issues that may implicate powerful individuals and corporations.”

The Writers’ Union of Canada has long been an advocate of changes to Canada’s libel laws that would give writers greater freedom to write about contentious issues. A recent Supreme Court of Canada libel case resulted in a ruling that will provide journalists and other writers with a stronger defence to allegations of libel if they have researched and reported a story responsibly. “We were delighted by this Supreme Court decision,” said Paris, “but there is little or nothing in the law that can protect writers from strategic litigation against public participation - so-called ‘SLAPP suits’.” Denault’s publisher initially reacted to Barrick’s demands by cancelling publication because of the prospect of protracted litigation it could not afford, but later announced that it would still publish the book at an unspecified date.

“We need changes in the law so that responsible writers will not have to fear that critical mention of an individual or corporation will attract threats of expensive legal action,” said Paris. She noted that Barrick is claiming $11 million dollars in another lawsuit involving a different book by Denault, published in Quebec by a French-language publisher in 2008 and, significantly, never published in English.

“Threats such as Barrick’s cause libel chill. Not only does this discourage writers from dealing with controversial issues,” added Paris, “it also serves to stifle wide-ranging public discussion on matters of public interest.”

The Writers' Union of Canada is our country's national organization representing professional authors of books. Founded in 1973, the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well-being of all writers. For more information, please visit www.writersunion.ca.

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For additional information
Deborah Windsor, Executive Director
The Writers’ Union of Canada
416.703.8982 Ext. 221
dwindsor@writersunion.ca