Freedom of Expression at Writers’ Trust Events

Guiding Principle:  

Writers’ Trust of Canada does not comment on politics or global conflict, but we do respect and support writers’ freedom of speech.   

For almost a half-century, Writers’ Trust has been delivering programs that support and celebrate writers and writing in Canada. By so doing, we have hoped to play a role in empowering the creative voices that help us to understand each other, and our times. Many voices and many views, all flourishing, freely speaking their hearts and minds: for us, this is the sign of a resilient society.    

The voices of writers help us contend with complexity, to reveal nuance, and to question the simplistic binaries that are so prevalent in the public square. When there is profound suffering, upset, and turmoil in our world and communities, we look to artists for insight and perspective, inspiration and dissent. Writers’ Trust is proud to do what we can to give authors in Canada opportunities to express how they experience the world, fully expecting these opinions to be divergent and wide-ranging. We support these writers and this essential work, knowing it to be foundational — like books themselves are foundational to how humans can connect.   

Standard Practice: 

• Winning authors are encouraged to use their time at the podium as they choose. They are given a standard acceptance speech length for guidance and the affirmation of our belief in freedom of expression in advance.   
• Venue security will not remove any person from our events who peacefully and respectfully express their views. 
• We will not tolerate disrespectful speech at our events, especially not hate speech or abusive language, as defined by Canada’s criminal code. We do not tolerate disrespect at our events towards authors, speakers, staff, or attendees.