JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 26, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channelBRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes new Canadian law protecting confidential sources of journalists that was approved on 18 October.
Canada adopted a new law on October 18 that strengthens the protection of journalists’ sources. The IFJ joined its affiliates in Canada UNIFOR and CWA in welcoming a legislation that is “of a great importance for the journalism community, their sources and the public at large”.
Both House of Commons and Canadian Senate voted in favor of the Journalistic Source Protection Act, Bill S-231, which despite some loopholes, introduces important safeguards for whistleblowers who inform journalists about cases of corruption and other cases that damage the public interest.
The new law shifts the burden of proof in applications involving journalists and police services which concern the importance of revealing or protecting a confidential source. According to the law, a journalist is no longer obliged to convince a court to protect the confidentiality of her sources.
Instead, police services will have to demonstrate why there is a need to disclose the identity of a journalistic source. If police officers do not find other means to obtain information, a judge of the higher court will decide whether the police has a right to ask for the journalists’ source’s identity and accordingly.
In cases where the judge issues the warrant or production order to disclose the source, a journalist has 10 days to oppose the order and explain why the confidentiality of the source must be protected.
However, journalists’ organizations point to one major criticism of the law in that some categories of journalists will fall outside the protection which could challenge the confidentially of their sources.
“These changes in Canadian law are of great importance for the journalism community, their sources and the public at large. The protection of journalistic sources is a core journalistic principle enshrined in our Declaration of Principles. It is a prerequisite to a free and independent press and ensures that journalists have access to information, including the ones that reveal cases of corruption and government wrongdoings. It is in the citizens’ interests that the protection of journalists’ sources is truly respected. We welcome this big step forward in Canada,” said the IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger. - IFJ media release
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.