Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Supreme Court of Canada rules on Khadr: Breach of Charter Rights exists, but Government must determine Remedy

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:01:01 +0000

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the case of Omar Khadr last Friday in a decision that reinforces human rights but leaves it to the Government to determine the remedy for violation of those rights.

In a unanimous decision, the Court held that Omar Khadr’s rights as a child, his rights to legal counsel, his [...]

It’s not the place of the government to dictate how women should dress

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:27:23 +0000

Following the report of a parliamentary information mission in France which proposes a ban on wearing burqas in schools, hospitals and other public services, some suggest that similar legislation should be adopted Canada. The CCLA suggested we should reject such a proposition. If the government has no place in the bedrooms of the nation, it [...]

Upcoming Panel Discussion on Proposed Cyber Surveillance Laws

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:48:30 +0000

The CCLA and the Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights will be co-hosting a panel discussion on recent legislative proposals that would make it easier for law enforcement to obtain electronic telecommunications data. The event, Overdue Update or Big Brother? Lawful Access and Cyber Surveillance, will take place at the U of T law school [...]

Freedom of Association – Harmonizing Canadian Norms with International Commitments

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:33:59 +0000

Title: Freedom of Association – Harmonizing Canadian Norms with International Commitments Location: Saskatoon – University of Saskatchewan Link out: Click hereDescription: This conference will review the character, evolution and status of freedom of association at work as a global right, will examine domestic law and practice in light of Canada’s international obligations and, to the [...]

Khadr decision to be released on Friday January 29th, 2010

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:46:47 +0000

CCLA has just learned that the decision in the case of Canada v. Omar Khadr will be released on Friday January 29th 2010. CCLA was an intervener in the case. This is the second time that lawyers for Omar Khadr reach the Supreme Court to obtain legal redress for the young Canadian man who [...]

CCLA launches Rights Watch blog

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:03:13 +0000

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has launched a new addition to its website, the Rights Watch Blog. Updated and maintained by law students across the country, it compiles local and national news and events regarding basic rights and freedoms in Canada. There are posts on relevant issues that arise in the news, before [...]

CCLA Goes to Supreme Court to Ensure Appropriate Remedies Available for Charter Breaches

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:24:14 +0000

On January 18, 2010, the CCLA presented arguments before the Supreme Court of Canada in City of Vancouver, et al. v. Alan Cameron Ward, et al. This case, which concerned the availability of monetary damages for certain Charter infringing government conduct, is the result of a 2002 incident in which Mr. Ward, a member of [...]

CCLA goes to the Supreme Court to demand respect for freedom of the press in courthouses

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:57:58 +0000

The CCLA believes that the Canadian public has a constitutionally-protected right to receive information about the nature and the workings of our justice system. Lower Quebec Court decisions, however, found that the Charter’s guarantees of freedom of the press and freedom of expression did not apply in courthouses. This exclusion would frustrate freedom of expression, [...]

CATSA Report on Body Scanner Pilot Project

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:34:43 +0000

Image: L3/TSA

Since the recent announcement that 44 body scanners would be purchased for distribution to major Canadian airports, CCLA has been contacted about this new technology by both the media and members of the concerned public. Our organization has, however, been monitoring this issue for some time, aware of the potential implications for the [...]

CCLA Applauds Regina Council’s Decision to Repeal Anti-panhandling By-law

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:18:58 +0000

The CCLA is greatly encouraged by Regina City Council’s unanimous vote to repeal the “Tag Day By-law”, a provision that was being used by Regina police to charge and fine panhandlers. In September 2009 CCLA wrote to Council, suggesting that the prohibition on panhandling could be an unconstitutional restriction on freedom of expression, and constituted [...]