We are pleased to announce that CFLA-FCAB has selected two individuals this year for the CFLA-FCAB Intellectual Freedom Award: Dick Ellis and Toni Samek.
Dick Ellis
Dick is recognized for his ongoing commitment to CFLA-FCAB’s work in the area of Intellectual Freedom, and his previous work with the CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee. In particular, he was instrumental in supporting and promoting the surveys that led to national reports on challenged material, resulting in the first national quantitative analysis of censorship in Canadian libraries since the 1990s. This data has been used by numerous researchers, resulting in publications and conference presentations.
From the nomination letter: “In addition to his work with the CFLA, Dick was also active in the Ex Libris community, spearheading conversations about the evolving face of Intellectual Freedom among members of the community. He was well-known for his informative presentations, distinct voice, and ever-present sense of humour.”
Dick was a mentor to many librarians, and will be remembered for the influence he had on librarianship across the country. Sadly, Dick passed away on December 2, 2025, and his award will be shared with his family.
Toni Samek
Toni is recognized for her commitment to making intellectual freedom a part of the education of new librarians. The intellectual freedom course she introduced at the University of Alberta was the only one offered in Canada, now, thanks to her advocacy, it is also part of the curriculum at UBC and the University of Toronto.
She has a significant number of publications detailing the history of intellectual freedom in North America, and the relationships between intellectual freedom and social justice, library and information service education, and ethical questions related to intellectual freedom.
In addition to her work in the library community, Toni has advocated for intellectual freedom within the Canadian Association of University Teachers, the Centre for Free Expression and for the International Center for Information Ethics.She is a frequently invited speaker on intellectual freedom issues at library and academic conferences in Canada and internationally.
From the nomination letter: “Toni has been a leading champion in Canada for intellectual freedom for more than two decades”.
Toni will be presented with her award at a later date in Alberta.