Freedom of expression is a human right. We defend it, in Canada and around the world.
Freedom of expression is a human right. We defend it, in Canada
and around
the world.
Defend Expression
our work on issues at home and abroad:
In an Era of Book Bans, this Organization is Giving Them Away
March 30, 2026
The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy programs to children across Toronto.
Nominations open for 2026 Ken Filkow Prize
February 17, 2026
This prize recognizes anyone whose work has advanced freedom of expression in Canada.
We Are Writers: Collective Freedom and the Cost of Its Defense
January 29, 2026
How a 1994 manifesto marked a decisive moment in the institutional memory of Iranian literary resistance.
Canadian Issues
Acting on our mandate, PEN has a long history of fighting censorship in Canada.
We are working on issues close to home: book bans, online harms, and transnational repression.
International Initiatives
We are a part of a global network of human rights defenders, writers and advocates.
In close collaboration with partners, we take up advocacy, produce reports on free expression issues across the globe, and build special projects to strengthen foreign media development.
Awards recognizing defenders of free expression
Ken Filkow Prize
The Ken Filkow Prize honours those who have advanced freedom of expression within Canada. Past recipients include journalists, activists, and legal scholars.
Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize
The Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize recognizes a Canadian individual or institution that has provided vital support to writers who face persecution abroad.
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