National

Forcing News Outlet To Turn Over Source Materials 'Dangerous,' Court Told

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2016 11:55 AM

TORONTO — A media lawyer is arguing that forcing a news outlet to turn over materials used for stories on a suspected terrorist would set a dangerous precedent.

Iain MacKinnon tells Ontario Superior Court that RCMP were on a sweeping fishing expedition when they asked Vice Media and its reporter for its records.

The materials relate to stories the online news outlet published in 2014 after interviews with Farah Shirdon, of Calgary, who has made threats publicly against Canada and the U.S.

In September, RCMP charged the Toronto-born Shirdon, 22, believed to be in the Middle East, with terrorism-related offences.

Police say they need the Vice materials as possible evidence against him.

MacKinnon says if Vice is forced to comply, it could undermine the media's ability to report on matters of public interest.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Third Woman Testifies Jian Ghomeshi Bit Her Shoulder, Put His Hands Around Her Neck

The woman, who cannot be identified, said she had consented to the "making out," but she had not agreed to what followed.

Third Woman Testifies Jian Ghomeshi Bit Her Shoulder, Put His Hands Around Her Neck

Calgary Luge Operator Likely Not Liable For Teenagers' Deaths: Lawyer

Peter Collins said the fact that twins Jordan and Evan Caldwell, 17, were former employees at Canada Olympic Park makes it especially improbable that site operator WinSport would be held liable for the incident.

Calgary Luge Operator Likely Not Liable For Teenagers' Deaths: Lawyer

Winter Storm Forecast Causing Closures, Travel Changes In Atlantic Canada

The national weather forecaster says snow will begin in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and southern New Brunswick on Monday afternoon, while Newfoundland will start seeing snow through the evening.

Winter Storm Forecast Causing Closures, Travel Changes In Atlantic Canada

Interest Rate Shouldn't Be Seen As Main Tool For Financial Stability: Central Bank

The Bank of Canada's benchmark interest rate needs help in shoring up the financial system from growing risks like rising consumer indebtedness, deputy governor Timothy Lane said in a speech Monday.

Interest Rate Shouldn't Be Seen As Main Tool For Financial Stability: Central Bank

We Miss You: Memorial Tables At Calgary Schools For Bobsled Run Victims

Twins Jordan and Evan Caldwell died when the toboggan they were riding down the track hit a gate.

We Miss You: Memorial Tables At Calgary Schools For Bobsled Run Victims

Saskatchewan Has Idea To Get Laid-off Oil Workers Cleaning Up Abandoned Wells

Premier Brad Wall says the program would help stimulate employment in the oil-and-gas sector by accelerating cleanup of wells no longer capable of production.