Thursday, July 13, 2006

Media Takes on Blackout Law

Typically when my group, the National Citizens Coalition, takes on a court challenge it’s a lonely affair.

We don’t usually get a lot of help.

For instance, when we legally challenged the election gag law, the only organization to intervene to support our position was Environment Voters, a small environmental organization.

But things are different with our latest court challenge which pits us against the election blackout law.

This is the case where computer software developer Paul Bryan, with our financial support, is challenging the section of the Canada Elections Act, which makes it a crime to “prematurely” release poll results on election night.

Paul thinks the blackout law infringes on his right to free expression and we agree.

You can learn more about this historic case here and here. The case is scheduled to go before the Supreme Court of Canada on October 16th.

Anyway, the good news is that the CBC, CTV, Rogers Broadcasting, Sun Media and Canadian Press have all intervened to support Bryan’s position that the blackout law is unconstitutional.

Plus the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association are seeking intervener status to also support Paul’s position.

This is all great.

But I have one question: where were all you guys when we needed your help to fight the election gag law?!!

3 comments:

Monkey Loves to Fight said...

Its good to see many organizations including the CBC support repealing this ridiculous law. As for the original gag law, I suspect 90% of the population probably doesn't even know about it. Anyways isn't the environmental group that assisted your side left leaning since that would make a far more effective case if you have people on both sides of the political spectrum.

TonyGuitar said...

Gag law.. wrongful disadvantage to us the citizens.

Gag law on the Electric car by GM, big oil, corporations?

Who killed the electric car?

You could only lease the car, never buy it.. Every last car was re-claimed by GM.. Drivers loved it, yet GM claimed only 800 were in use and demand was too low to warrant production.

I think they saw it would eclipse all other auto products and snuffed it out before it could be discovered by the public.

Excellent coverage , well beyond my humble ability can be enjoyed at;
The Huffington Post

== TG

TonyGuitar said...

Finally got a photo of the not so phantom EV-1 electric car. Looks quite elegant too.

http://TonyGuitar.blogspot.com