PEN Canada works to defend freedom of expression as a basic human right and to promote literature. As a nonpartisan group of writers and readers, PEN Canada fights censorship, helps free persecuted writers from prison, and assists exiled writers living in Canada. They believe that without freedom of expression, there is no freedom, and they are guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

This organization operates across Canada and is part of PEN International, connecting with centres on six continents. PEN Canada’s national programs highlight urgent local issues, but their work also spans international borders through global advocacy and partnership efforts. They support writers both within Canada and worldwide who are at risk because of their work, offering direct assistance to those facing threats, violence, or imprisonment.

Key programs include the Writers in Prison program, which advocates for the release of writers detained for their peaceful expression, and Writers in Exile, providing help to those forced to flee to Canada because of persecution. PEN Canada also organizes public events and forums, publishes statements on free expression, and honours those who defend these rights. Their activities encourage dialogue, support displaced writers, and raise awareness about threats to freedom of expression.