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

25,000th Syrian Refugee Lands In Canada Marking Milestone For Liberal Program

They were part of a plane load of refugees who touched down in Montreal.

25,000th Syrian Refugee Lands In Canada Marking Milestone For Liberal Program

Uber In Alberta Says It Will Shut Down Tuesday Unless Province Agrees To Changes

The manager for Uber in Alberta says the ride-sharing app will cease operating in the province on Tuesday unless the provincial government makes insurance and licensing changes.

Uber In Alberta Says It Will Shut Down Tuesday Unless Province Agrees To Changes

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Blasts MPs For Voting To Increase Office Budget

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is criticizing the federal government for quietly approving a hefty increase to MPs' office budgets.

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Blasts MPs For Voting To Increase Office Budget

To Kill Or Not To Kill? OSPCA Seeks To Destroy 21 Alleged Fighting Dogs

Twenty-one alleged fighting dogs sit in a kennel in an undisclosed location somewhere in Ontario, where they'll remain until a court decides whether they live or die.

To Kill Or Not To Kill? OSPCA Seeks To Destroy 21 Alleged Fighting Dogs

Polar Bear Encounters With Humans On The Rise, More Put In Churchill Jail

Polar bear activity reports from the past three years show the number of documented cases in Churchill has jumped from 229 in 2013 to 351 last year.

Polar Bear Encounters With Humans On The Rise, More Put In Churchill Jail

B.C. Forestry Company To Suspend Operations For One Day After Workplace Death

TimberWest Forest Corp. spokeswoman Monica Bailey said an equipment operator was killed Friday afternoon at the company's Bonanza Lake site near Port McNeill.