The Writers' Union of Canada has expressed its strong opposition to the federal government's new telecommunications bill. In particular the Union is concerned that a provision in the bill which would allow police to force Internet service providers to give them information on their customers without a warrant, such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and IP addresses, would hinder a writer's confidence in contacting controversial individuals or researching controversial topics.

"This is carrying any so-called war on terror way too far," said Brian Brett, chair of the Writers’ Union. Writers who may be relying upon confidential sources or whistleblowers on any controversial topic would risk having their sources exposed. If this law passes, who'd confide in a writer, knowing that his or her name and identifying information could be learned with a phone call?" Brett added.

The provision, included in a new federal telecommunications bill, would force telecommunications companies to incorporate into their systems the capacity to intercept users’ e-mail, report what Web sites they are surfing and even monitor their telephone calls.

"We have already opposed over-zealousness by the justice system in targeting writers who criticize that system, or the actions of the courts, in several of Canada's jurisdictions," said Brett. "Given their record, we are concerned that the authorities might use this power to target writers who are researching controversial topics, or topics unfavourable to the justice system. The laying of 95 charges against Stephen Williams, all but one of which were dropped, is a case in point" Brett added. "It casts a chill over the whole writing community. There is no place in this country for an invasive law like this."

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

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