Censorship is typically considered to be the removal or blocking of information, speech, or expression. It also includes “self-censorship,” where individuals or organizations limit what they say for fear of repercussions.

Internationally, media sources are often shut down or silenced by repressive governments, legislation prevents journalists from freely reporting the truth, and those who do speak out are imprisoned or killed. In Canada, censorship is more often subtle than blatant. It can take the form of muzzling federal scientists, refusing activists entry into Canada, book seizures at the border, and libel chill. The common denominator is that voices are silenced.