The Writers' Union of Canada : Press Release

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February 25, 2008

Press Release

DEREK FINKLE TO RECEIVE WRITERS’ AWARD

The Writers’ Union of Canada has chosen as its Freedom to Read award recipient for 2008, Toronto author Derek Finkle. Finkle, a former editor of Toro magazine, wrote the book No Claim to Mercy, which cast doubt on the murder conviction of Robert Baltovich. A new trial was ordered for Baltovich in preparation for which the Ontario Crown subpoenaed all of Finkle’s material relating to the book. Finkle, supported by five writers' organizations, successfully challenged the subpoena.

"Derek Finkle showed considerable courage and determination in standing up to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and all its resources,” said Susan Swan, chair of the Writers’ Union. “Had the Crown succeeded in obtaining that material, it would have cast a chill on writers who are determined to unearth wrongful convictions in the justice system.”

Each year, during Canada’s Freedom to Read Week, the Union presents its Freedom to Read Award to an individual who has publicly defended freedom to read in this country. Last year’s recipient was Evie Friedman, a Burlington public school student who publicly defended the right to retain the book Three Wishes in the Toronto Public School system. The book, which contained controversial interviews with Palestinian children, had been challenged by the Canadian Jewish Congress as being age inappropriate. Although it was removed by the Toronto board, most school boards across Ontario elected to retain it.

"We were pleased that the subpoena was subsequently thrown out,” added Ron Brown, chair of the Union’s Rights and Freedoms Committee. “It shows that the Crown was on nothing more than a fishing expedition. Mr. Finkle’s determination is an example to us all.”

Freedom to Read Week is coordinated by the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee and is being held this year from Feb 24 to March 1.

The Writers' Union of Canada is our 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, 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