without interference?

ist,” or “extreme” included in any of the project descriptions are not clear, but the most alarming unspecified term is “nonmedia sources,” which are the sole target of these research projects.

Now, this is where the doublespeak comes in. I visited a Government of Canada web page titled “Freedom of expression and media freedom,” and on this web page it states that Canada believes freedom of expression is at the core of human individuality and is one of the essential foundations of a safe and prosperous society.

It declares the right of everyone to hold opinions without interference and the right to freedom of expression (Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and reaffirmed in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, whether orally, in writing or in print, or through any other media of choice. Certain restrictions are only permissible when in line with international human rights law.

The page goes on to state that Canada strongly believes that media freedom remains an important part of democratic societies and essential to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. People need free media to provide them with accurate in- formation and informed analysis to hold governments to account.

I am a little confused, and to be honest, I am unsure of what to believe or think. As a Canadian citizen, do I have the freedom to hold my own opinion without interference? Am I truly able to see, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds? This is when it becomes our responsibility to call out the government, tell them pointblank to clarify the multiple messages that are being transmitted. As members of the free press, are we able to share information that is not harming others, only questioning what is being parroted to us by their paid media?

In conclusion…

How can you spot doublespeak? Most of the time you will recognize doublespeak when you see or hear it, but, if you have any doubts, you can identify doublespeak just by answering these questions:

Who is saying what

to whom?

Under what conditions and circumstances?

With what intent, and with what results?

Answering these questions will help you identify doublespeak language that appears to be legitimate, especially when it comes from our elected officials.