Your Right to Political Speech and Protest

Many members have reached out to the union for clarification about their rights to political speech, protest and public criticism when it comes to showing solidarity with Palestine. There are rights and constraints to consider that apply to political action on any issue.

CIPP members’ rights with respect to speech, public protest and public criticism are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As employees of the City of Ottawa, CIPP members are also impacted by the City’s Code of Conduct and the duty of good faith loyalty owed by employees to their government employer.

In practice, this means that your Charter rights to free speech need to be balanced against your duty of loyalty and the requirements set out in the Code of Conduct.

CIPP members can participate in non-violent political speech, public protest and political engagement outside of work. Use good judgment and avoid speech, social media posts or protests that are arguably violent or hateful. When engaging in political speech or activities you should take care not to identify yourself as a City employee.

CIPP members may express views that are different than the positions adopted by the City or official City policy. Care should be taken so that any criticism does not affect your ability to do your job or negatively impact the municipality’s functioning. A “sustained or highly visible attack” on the Mayor or a decision made by the City could possibly be considered to negatively impact the municipality’s functioning.

CIPP members can take part in political speech and political activity related to the genocide in Palestine. The City has not taken a public position regarding what human rights and legal experts are calling a genocide in Palestine, and so any political speech or political engagement on this issue should not conflict with your duty of loyalty.

CIPP members can march in Pride or sign a petition opposing the City’s decision to withdraw from Pride as individuals. If you participate, you should do so as an individual and not as a representative of the City (i.e. if you are signing a petition you can add your name but not your job title).

Any participation in political activity should occur on your own time and outside of work hours. Avoid wearing or saying things that link you to the employer. You may also want to make your social media accounts private and avoid listing your employer.

Unions and union members have a long history of political engagement advocating for a healthy and inclusive society for all. And the City’s Code of Conduct encourages community involvement including participation in community organizations, advocacy groups and charitable organizations. CIPP members have the right to participate in political activity.

Your employment with the City of Ottawa should not deter your active political engagement. You can exercise good judgement and navigate the constraints of the Code of Conduct and duty of loyalty while speaking up and taking action for our community.

If you need support to understand how to exercise your political rights, please contact us. If you feel that your employer is infringing on your right to participate in political activity, please contact us for support.