Canadian and Legal Affairs Committee

The Canadian and Legal Affairs Committee (CLAC) monitors laws and actions that limit or violate the right to free expression guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or otherwise interfere with the civil right of free expression. CLAC analyzes current freedom of expression issues, publishes statements on matters of public interest, flags concerns in impending legislation and, when appropriate, joins interventions on specific laws or measures that threaten freedom of expression.

Learn about our national affairs history.
Learn what Canadian issues we are monitoring.

Writers in Exile Committee

This committee works to provide support and opportunities for PEN’s Writers in Exile members residing in Canada, through the creation of programs and community. In addition to support in their refugee claim applications where needed, these include public reading events where exiled writers can share their work, editing and literary coaching, and pot-luck dinners.  

The committee’s work includes bringing to PEN’s attention new writers in exile and assessing their needs in order to create new programs that fall within PEN’s mandate and to keep PEN’s current programs effective.

Learn about the Writers in Exile community and programs.

Writers in Peril Committee

This Writers in Peril Committee leads PEN Canada’s work on behalf of writers and journalists around the world who are persecuted for the peaceful expression of their thoughts. 

PEN Canada works in conjunction with the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of PEN International. The international WiPC was established in 1960 out of mounting concern at attempts to silence critical voices and detain writers around the world. 

PEN Canada’s Writers in Peril Committee lobbies governments in Canada and internationally, organizes petitions and sends letters and postcards to campaign for the release of persecuted writers, and to call for for investigations into cases of torture, ‘disappearances’ or killings. 

PEN Canada has defended such iconic figures as Salman Rushdie, Anna Politkovskaya, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with dozens of lesser-known writers. It also undertakes advocacy on behalf of the centre’s Honorary Members, urging governments to respect the universal right to freedom of expression set out in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The PEN Canada Writers in Peril Committee does not work on behalf of anyone who has used or advocated violence or hatred.

Get Involved

Interested in getting involved in one of our committees? Our committees are always open to new expertise, volunteers, or members. If you have questions, please email queries@pencanada.ca.