Fundamental Freedoms allow individuals and groups to express themselves, to believe and practice what they choose, and to exercise their right to vote.

It is almost impossible to imagine how a democracy could work without the protection of these most basic rights and freedoms, and yet–in Canada–they continue to be under attack in many ways.

Our Recent Cases and Reports

Learn more about our major ongoing litigation, research, and advocacy in the area of Fundamental Freedoms.

COVID-19

Stay updated with all the latest news from CCLA, including our work monitoring the response to COVID-19 to ensure it’s based on science and is not unnecessarily intrusive to our liberties

VIEW LATEST COVID UPDATES

   

Bill 21

Bill 21 is a law which disproportionately impacts people who are already marginalized. New Quebec laws ban Canadians working as teachers, lawyers, police officers, and more from wearing religious symbols such as crosses, hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes. This not only affects people currently working in the public sector, but also the youth who aspire to those careers.
VIEW CASE

Fill Up On Free Speech 

The Ontario legislature passed a law that forces gas station owners to put up stickers with the government party line on pollution pricing or the carbon tax. The government should not force anyone to share their message. If the station owners choose to not put up the stickers, they can be handed a new fine every day. That’s called “compelled political speech.” That’s unconstitutional.

VIEW CASE

Fighting Strip Searches

In 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada called strip searches “one of the most extreme exercises of police power” and “inherently humiliating and degrading”. So why has Canada’s federal prison system carried out hundreds of thousands of unnecessary strip searches since then? These are not trivial intrusions. Canadians serving sentences are forced to undergo highly invasive searches in low-risk situations, such as leaving a secure area, or even upon release from prison. These searches can inflict severe psychological trauma, particularly for those with a history of being abused. We’re asking the federal government to end these harmful practices.

VIEW CASE

Fighting Solitary Confinement

Solitary confinement is the practice of confining someone in conditions of extreme isolation. Getting the practice ruled unconstitutional has been a major goal of both CCLA and BCCLA.  We went to Canada’s highest court for a showdown with the federal government.

VIEW CASE

 

Protest Rights & the G20

Canadians deserve to know why the security failed to fulfill its role to protect the right to protest, which brings together a number of basic civil liberties including freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.
VIEW CASE

COVID-19

Stay up to date with all the latest work that CCLA is doing to monitor the response to COVID-19, ensuring it’s based on science and is not unnecessarily intrusive to our liberties.

Bill 21

Bill 21 is a law which disproportionately impacts people who are already marginalized. New Quebec laws ban Canadians working as teachers, lawyers, police officers, and more from wearing religious symbols such as crosses, hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes. This not only affects people currently working in the public sector, but also the youth who aspire to those careers.

Fill Up On Free Speech

The Ontario legislature passed a law that forces gas station owners to put up stickers with the government party line on pollution pricing or the carbon tax. The government should not force anyone to share their message. If the station owners choose to not put up the stickers, they can be handed a new fine every day. That’s called “compelled political speech.” That’s unconstitutional.

Fighting Strip Searches

In 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada called strip searches “one of the most extreme exercises of police power” and “inherently humiliating and degrading”. So why has Canada’s federal prison system carried out hundreds of thousands of unnecessary strip searches since then? These are not trivial intrusions. Canadians serving sentences are forced to undergo highly invasive searches in low-risk situations, such as leaving a secure area, or even upon release from prison. These searches can inflict severe psychological trauma, particularly for those with a history of being abused. We’re asking the federal government to end these harmful practices.

Fighting Solitary Confinement

Solitary confinement is the practice of confining someone in conditions of extreme isolation. Getting the practice ruled unconstitutional has been a major goal of both CCLA and BCCLA. We went to Canada’s highest court for a showdown with the federal government.

Protest Rights & the G20

The Ontario legislature passed a law that forces gas station owners to put up stickers with the government party line on pollution pricing or the carbon tax. The government should not force anyone to share their message. If the station owners choose to not put up the stickers, they can be handed a new fine every day. That’s called “compelled political speech.” That’s unconstitutional.

Didn’t find the case you were looking for?
Browse all our recent Fundamental Freedoms activity below, or
view all our cases and reports in our archive.

Fundamental Freedom Updates and Briefs

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CCLA Reacts to Bill 21

February 29, 2024
MONTREAL — Today the Court of Appeal has issued a disappointing decision rejecting the constitutional challenge…

CCLA Urges Substantial Amendments to the Online Harms Act

February 28, 2024
TORONTO — Following the Government of Canada’s reintroduction of the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Executive…

CCLA intervenes on parliamentary privilege and democracy

February 22, 2024
CCLA is intervening in a motion on Parliamentary privilege and when courts may review decisions…

Emergencies Act FAQs

January 26, 2024
Why did CCLA take the federal government to court to challenge its use of the…

Emergency is Not in the Eye of the Beholder: Federal Court Grants Victory to CCLA in Emergencies Act Challenge

January 23, 2024
TORONTO — The Federal Court of Canada has just issued its decision allowing the Canadian…

CBC News: Ottawa’s use of Emergencies Act against convoy protests was unreasonable, violated Charter, court rules

January 23, 2024
Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, executive director of the CCLA, said their win sets a clear and…

Freedom of Expression, the Right to Protest, and Academic Freedom in a Time of Crisis

November 11, 2023
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) recognizes that in times of crisis, it is all…

Litigation, Costs and Public Interest Groups – CCLA Intervening to Clarify the Law

October 20, 2023
The CCLA, in conjunction with the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) and Democracy Watch, were granted…

National Security and Parliament’s Role – CCLA Intervening in Ontario Case

October 3, 2023
Should our elected representatives on a committee to oversee our national security agencies have the…

CCLA Reacts to Peterson Decision

August 23, 2023
TORONTO —  Noa Mendelsoh Aviv, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties…

Decision in Taylor v. Newfoundland Case

August 17, 2023
On May 11, 2020, CCLA sent a letter to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador…

Canadian Civil Liberties Association Launches Fund Honouring Clayton Ruby’s Storied Legacy of Social Justice Advocacy

July 27, 2023
TORONTO — In commemoration of the late Clayton Ruby's extraordinary impact on advancing social justice…

CCLA in Court to Address Regulatory Overreach and Defend Freedom of Expression

June 22, 2023
The CCLA spoke before Ontario’s Divisional Court on June 21, 2023 to address overreach by…

Workers’ Rights, Freedom of Association, and Holding the Government to Account: CCLA Intervenes in Ontario Wage Cap Appeal

June 22, 2023
CCLA is intervening before the Ontario Court of Appeal in a case about freedom of…

Workers’ Rights, Freedom of Association, and Holding the Government to Account: CCLA Intervenes in Ontario Wage Cap Appeal

June 16, 2023
CCLA is intervening before the Ontario Court of Appeal in a case about freedom of…

NCCM and CCLA Statement on Quebec Superior Court Decision on Prayer Ban

June 14, 2023
MONTREAL — This morning, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Civil Liberties…

NCCM and CCLA Litigating Prayer Ban

June 13, 2023
MONTREAL — The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), and…

NCCM AND CCLA LAUNCH JOINT CHALLENGE TO QUEBEC GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON PRAYERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

May 26, 2023
(Montreal, Quebec)—The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), and…

SLAPPs, Speech, and Standing Up for Equality

May 23, 2023
CCLA appears before the Supreme Court of Canada in key defamation case of Hansman v…

CCLA Reacts to Quebec Directive on Prayer Spaces in Public Schools

April 24, 2023
TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil…

CCLA Fighting to Protect Freedom of Association for All Workers at the Supreme Court of Canada

April 12, 2023
The CCLA is intervening before the Supreme Court of Canada in a case that will…

CCLA Fighting for Transparency and Openness before the Supreme Court

April 12, 2023
The CCLA is intervening at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ontario v. Information and…

CCLA speaks out on guiding principles for Canada’s upcoming online safety proposal

March 21, 2023
CCLA has joined with 12 other civil society organizations to release a joint statement addressed…

CCLA Reacts to Working Families Decision

March 6, 2023
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), reacted to…

Read our op-ed inspired by Freedom to Read Week by Cara Zwibel, Director, Fundamental Freedoms Program

February 24, 2023
Last Spring Sotheby’s auction house sold off a copy of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale…

Supreme Court Dodges Key Issue in R. v. McGregor

February 21, 2023
A majority of the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. McGregor opted not to…

CCLA Reaction to Public Order Emergency Commission

February 17, 2023
February 17, 2023 Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…

CCLA Notches Legal Victory Against Government in Emergencies Act Case

February 14, 2023
February 14, 2023 Toronto, ON — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is announcing a…

CCLA releases Ebook: Civil Liberties & the Emergencies Act

February 14, 2023
Read the final submissions of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association to the Public Order Emergency…

CCLA Intervening in Tik Tok Injunction Appeal to Protect Space for Digital Activism

January 11, 2023
TikTok teens and duet fiends, take note. The CCLA is intervening in an Ontario court…

CCLA Closing Statement at Public Order Emergency Commission

November 25, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

CCLA reacts to Prime Minister Trudeau’s testimony at POEC

November 25, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

CCLA reacts to Minister Freeland’s testimony at POEC

November 24, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

CCLA reacts to Minister Lametti’s testimony at POEC

November 23, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…

CCLA reacts to Minister Mendicino’s testimony at POEC

November 22, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

CCLA Reacts to CSIS’ Testimony at POEC

November 21, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

Emergency is Not in the Eye of the Beholder

November 18, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…

CBC News: Ontario government repeals anti-strike law for CUPE education workers

November 15, 2022
After news of the bill's repeal, Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, the executive director and general counsel…

Statement on the Repeal of Bill 28

November 14, 2022
TORONTO — Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…

Repeal of Bill 28 – Huge Victory for all Who Fought for Rights and Freedoms in Ontario

November 7, 2022
TORONTO — Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Executive Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the…

Statement on Federal Court decision re: Ontario Premier/Deputy Premier summons to appear before Public Order Emergency Commission

November 7, 2022
The Federal Court’s decision confirms that the Public Order Emergency Commission had the legal authority…

Statement on the Passage of Bill 28

November 3, 2022
TORONTO — Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Executive Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the…

Toronto Star: It’s time to ditch the notwithstanding clause

November 2, 2022
But recently, the Quebec and Ontario governments have shown an alarming trend to resort to…

Statement on Notwithstanding Clause

October 31, 2022
OTTAWA — Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Executive Director of the  Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the following…

Statement on CCLA vs Nova Scotia (Attorney General)

October 26, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…

Statement on Ford Seeking Judicial Review

October 24, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

Premier Ford Must Testify

October 20, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

Statement on Public Order Emergency Commission Proceedings of October 17-18

October 18, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the…

Statement on Public Order Emergency Commission Proceedings of October 14

October 14, 2022
OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…

Rouleau Warns of Tight Timelines, But Government Took Maximum Amount of Time to Appoint Commissioner

October 13, 2022
OTTAWA — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) made its opening statement at the Public Order Emergency…

Government Had Other Options Than The Emergencies Act

October 12, 2022
OTTAWA — The Government of Canada had options other than the emergencies act, the Canadian…

Federal Court Releases Decision on Cabinet Confidences Motion

September 1, 2022
Abby Deshman, Director of the Criminal Justice program for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…

CCLA Intervening in Challenge to Sex Work Laws

August 16, 2022
The CCLA recently filed its written argument in Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform…

CCLA REACTS TO ACS-LÉGER STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BILL 21

August 10, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2022 CCLA REACTS TO ACS-LÉGER STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BILL…

CCLA in Federal Court, Fighting to Hold Government Accountable for Unprecedented Emergencies Act Use

August 8, 2022
CCLA is in federal court today to protect meaningful judicial review of government action.  The…

CCLA Demands Immediate Repeal of Regulations Limiting Abortion Access in NB

July 28, 2022
In the wake of the US Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the CCLA…

CCLA Statement at New Brunswick Rally on Abortion, Reproductive Justice, and 2SGLBTQI+ Rights

July 9, 2022
Today's ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States is an appalling step back…

CCLA Reacts to Decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization

June 24, 2022
Today's ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States is an appalling step back…

CCLA Welcomes Decision Promoting Access to Justice

June 23, 2022
CCLA is pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed the test for public…

Remarques à l’occasion de l’anniversaire d’une hypocrisie – la loi 21

June 16, 2022
CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUPS SEEK LEAVE TO APPEAL BILL 21 DECISION NCCM & CCLA file an…

CCLA Intervening at Ontario Court of Appeal on Importance of Political Expression and the Right to Vote

June 14, 2022
The CCLA continues to work to ensure that governments do not overreach in exercising their…

CCLA Moving Forward with Appeal of Nova Scotia Anti-Protest Injunction

April 8, 2022
The CCLA continues to work to ensure that governments do not overreach in exercising their…

CCLA Presents to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Bill 100 (Ontario)

April 7, 2022
Oral Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario…

CCLA Reaction to the Revocation of the Declaration of Emergency

February 23, 2022
We welcome the government’s decision to revoke the proclamation of emergency – it is overdue.…

CCLA Reaction to Vote in the House

February 22, 2022
Abby Deshman, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association made the following…

CCLA Will Fight Invocation of Emergencies Act in Court

February 17, 2022
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) announced today that it will pursue litigation to challenge…

Remarks From the Emergencies Act Press Release of February 2022

February 17, 2022
This week, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act – an extreme law that has…

CCLA Statement on the Emergencies Act

February 15, 2022
The Emergencies Act can only be invoked, according to its own terms, when a situation…

By Terminating the Basic Income Project Early, the Ontario Government Hurt Vulnerable People

February 1, 2022
On February 2nd, CCLA will be appearing as an intervenor before the Ontario Court of…

CCLA’s Statement on Quebec’s Tax Proposal

January 12, 2022
Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms and acting General Counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties…

CCLA to Premier Legault: End the Curfew

January 12, 2022
The CCLA has written to Quebec’s Premier, Francois Legault, urging him to reconsider and rescind…

CCLA & NCCM file factum against Bill 21 in Quebec Court of Appeal

December 9, 2021
CCLA filed legal submissions against Bill 21 in the Quebec Court of Appeal. In this…

CCLA disappointed to see Ontario election ad restrictions upheld

December 8, 2021
On December 3, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice upheld the constitutionality of recent…

CCLA makes its case against Ontario’s third party advertising restrictions

November 18, 2021
On November 22, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court will hear arguments in the Working Families…

CCLA to Minister: Choosing not to be vaccinated should not disentitle you from employment insurance

November 2, 2021
CCLA has written to Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, urging…

Offensive Comedy ≠ Discrimination

October 29, 2021
The Supreme Court of Canada has released its decision in Ward v. Commission des droits…

CCLA Calls on Elections Ontario to Disclose All MPP Complaints

October 25, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is calling on Elections Ontario to disclose how many…

SCC on Freedom of Expression – Accentuating the Negative

October 5, 2021
The Supreme Court of Canada rendered a decision in an important freedom of expression case…

CCLA’s Submission on Canada’s Proposed Approach to Addressing Harmful Content Online

September 28, 2021
Prior to the election, the government of Canada initiated a consultation on a proposed approach…

Fear, Loathing and the Law: Pushing the Limits of Legislating “Good” Behaviour

September 20, 2021
CCLA Essay by Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms and Brenda McPhail, Director of Privacy…

CCLA Joins Fight Against Ontario’s Use of the Notwithstanding Clause

September 20, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has been granted permission to intervene in a case in…

CCLA Makes Submissions to the Federal Review of the Access to Information Act

August 23, 2021
The CCLA believes that a strong access to information regime is crucial to a vibrant…
COVID Vaccine Passport

FAQ: Vaccine Passports

August 17, 2021
The lines are being drawn between those who support and oppose some version of a…

Five Things to Know About Canada’s Online Harms “Consultation”

August 3, 2021
The federal government is proposing a new regime that would regulate social media companies and,…

CCLA Seeks to Appeal Nova Scotia Anti-Protest Injunction

July 19, 2021
While the injunction is no longer in force in the province, we remain concerned about…

Nova Scotia Attempting to Avoid Public Scrutiny

June 24, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is concerned the Government of Nova Scotia is attempting…

‘Cease And Desist’ – Liberal Party Must Halt Use Of Facial Fingerprinting

June 23, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is calling on the Liberal Party of Canada to…

CCLA Will Seek Leave To Intervene

June 22, 2021
CCLA will be seeking to intervene in Working Families’ new challenge to the third party…

3rd Party Voices in 2018 Ontario Election

June 11, 2021
After the Ontario Superior Court struck down limitations on 3rd party election spending as unconstitutional,…

CCLA Statement on Ford’s Extraordinary Use of the Notwithstanding Clause

June 9, 2021
The notwithstanding clause was designed to be a democratic safety valve, not a brazen power…

Ontario Superior Court Strikes Down Third Party Spending Limits

June 8, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is celebrating another decisive win in Ontario Superior Court.…

Letter to Nunavut re: Travel and Self-Isolation Requirements

June 7, 2021
At the outset of the pandemic, when much was unknown, governments took a number of…

CCLA to Challenge Nova Scotia’s Protest Injunction

May 28, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA Taking Steps to Fight Nova Scotia’s Protest Injunction

May 18, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is taking steps to fight an injunction obtained by…

Letter To NS re: Travel Restrictions

May 11, 2021
Nova Scotia’s current rules unreasonably restrict fundamental mobility rights invested in Canadian citizens and permanent…

Internet Regulation and Freedom of Expression – CCLA Monitoring Bill C-10

May 4, 2021
Canadians frequently upload audio and video content online as a means of communication with one…

Know Your Rights for Ontarians

April 23, 2021
Knowing your rights is an important tool to help you recognize when your rights have…

Mobility Ladder

April 22, 2021
Understanding your mobility rights, as protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

CCLA Remarks on Bill 21 Judgment by the Quebec Superior Court

April 20, 2021
Today is judgment day on Bill 21. A complex decision was handed down by the…

Letter to NB re: Travel Restrictions

April 8, 2021
In our view, New Brunswick's current rules unreasonably restrict mobility rights guaranteed to Canadians by…

Canadian Rights During COVID-19: Interim Report on COVID’s Second Wave

March 30, 2021
Who cares about laws and rights during a pandemic? We do at CCLA because the…

Submissions Before Ontario Standing Committee on The Legislative Assembly re: Bill 254

March 30, 2021
When the Attorney General introduced these changes in the Assembly he framed them as putting…

Premier Legault—It’s Time To Drop The Curfew

March 23, 2021
The CCLA is speaking out against Premier Legault’s unjust Quebec curfew.

Manitoba Law Society “Good Character” Process Undermines Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity and Equality

March 17, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association sent a brief to the Manitoba Law Society asking it…

CCLA Before Supreme Court on Free Expression and Democracy

March 15, 2021
On Tuesday, March 16, lawyers for the CCLA will be appearing before the Supreme Court…

Ongoing Issues Associated with Travel Restrictions

March 11, 2021
In a letter dated March 10 we sent another letter to the federal government with…

Proposed Election Finance Changes are Bad for Democracy

March 10, 2021
Beware Canadian governments bearing legal gifts promising better democracy in 2021. Canada, and Ontario in…

CCLA to NB Speaker: Don’t Interfere with Protests on Legislative Grounds

March 2, 2021
Following concerning reports about the treatment of protesters during a demonstration at Parliament Square in…

Better Safe Than Sorry is the Motto of a Police State

February 19, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Regulating Social Media: Into the Unknown

February 10, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Letter to Attorney General and Minister of Transportation re: Recently Imposed Travel Restrictions

February 8, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Can an Employer Force an Employee to Get a COVID-19 Vaccination?

February 4, 2021
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA on Ontario’s Stay-at-Home Order

January 14, 2021
“As the Ontario Government announced a 28-day stay-at-home order, what concerns us the most is…

CCLA Writes to David Lametti and Marc Garneau: Canadians Must be Allowed to Come Home

January 6, 2021
CCLA writing to the Government of Canada announcement of December 31, 2020 stating that, as…

Whose Religious Symbols Can Shine???

December 21, 2020
In this season of darkness, the festivals of light bringing warmth and cheer may be…

CCLA Writes to BC Provincial Health Officer Regarding Religious Services

December 17, 2020
We are writing on behalf of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) and the…

CCLA Debates Vaccine Passports on TVO.org: Our Letter that Sparked the Debate

December 14, 2020
We are writing you about the bad idea floated from an Ontario executive podium respecting…

Mandatory Vaccination Laws: What Laws?

December 10, 2020
The Charter of Rights would have something to say about a law mandating vaccinations, if…

BC Travel Restrictions Unconstitutional, No New Fines Needed

November 20, 2020
The Canadian and British Columbia Civil Liberties Associations are raising concerns about travel restrictions expected…

A Civil Liberties Take on Canada’s Second Wave of COVID-19 Emergency Orders

November 19, 2020
During the first wave of COVID, we were quite critical of a number of the…

Secret Evidence in The Age of Artificial Intelligence

November 13, 2020
Today’s most popular form of artificial intelligence (AI) – machine learning – is often called…

CCLA Memorandum to Ministers Responsible for Human Rights

November 10, 2020
This memorandum sets forth the Canadian Civil Liberties Association’s (CCLA) submissions for FPT Ministers responsible…

CCLA to NB: Do not Deny Students Access to Their Schools

November 10, 2020
Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) to object to the government’s unlawful treatment of students from…

Justice Vs. the G20: The Legacy that Shapes Protests Today

November 7, 2020
Protests at the G20 and G8 Summits in Toronto went onto become the largest in…

Seeking Information About the Province’s Self-Isolation Order for Persons Entering Manitoba

October 30, 2020
The province of Manitoba currently has a self-isolation requirement for individuals entering the province from…

Why Mobility Rights Continue to Matter

October 28, 2020
Why we’re appealing the decision of the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court of a few…

The Open Court Principle and the Importance of Public Access to IRB Hearings

October 27, 2020
We write on behalf of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) to express concern regarding…

Playing With(out) Privacy

October 15, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA Says Governing by Press Release, Not by Law, is COVID Governance by Stealth

October 14, 2020
In a letter dated October 14, we wrote to the Attorney General of Ontario over…

Statement to Select Special Public Health Act Review Committee, Legislative Assembly of Alberta

August 27, 2020
Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national, independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to furthering…

CCLA Statement of Support for Abortion Rights & LGBTQ+ Healthcare Now Protest

August 27, 2020
The role of the government is to protect the health of its citizens. It is…

Social Media Smarts

August 10, 2020
How much should we rely on social media when it comes to information that is…

Bill 195: Ontario’s Power Grab

July 20, 2020
The Ontario government is trying to end the legal state of emergency and simultaneously hold…

CCLA to Ontario MPPs: Resist the Premier’s Undemocratic Power Grab

July 10, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Alberta’s Bill 1: Suppression of Freedom of Expression

July 8, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Contact Tracing App in Canada: To Download or Not

July 3, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

On Mandatory Masks

June 26, 2020
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

How Long Can We Live in a State of Emergency?

June 19, 2020
Some provinces and territories took longer than others to declare a legal emergency, begging the…

CCLA Writes to YT: Mobility Rights and Travel to Yukon

May 28, 2020
We are writing you regarding the constitutionality and impact of the Border Control Measures (COVID-19)…

A Crisis is a Terrible Time to Legislate

May 27, 2020
There are two kinds of emergency management legislation: those legislated after a crisis is over,…

No Mask, No Service? Not so Fast.

May 27, 2020
When the Premier of Ontario was asked last week on a teleconference whether merchants can…

Privacy, Access to Information, and You: The COVID-19 Edition

May 26, 2020
As we flounder about looking for ways out of the COVID-19 climate of fear, and…

CCLA Writes to NU: Mobility Rights and Travel to Nunavut

May 26, 2020
Regarding mobility rights, pursuant to section 6(2) of the Charter, individuals may take up residence…

CCLA Writes to NWT: Mobility Rights and Travel to Northwest Territories

May 26, 2020
Regarding mobility rights, pursuant to section 6(2) of the Charter, individuals may take up residence…

CCLA In The Supreme Court: Mobility Rights

May 22, 2020
Originating Application Before The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador

There Are No Provincial Borders in Canada

May 21, 2020
The COVID19 provincial and territorial border closures are proving Mackenzie King’s truism that “Canada is…

CCLA Writes to PEI: Mobility Rights and Travel to PEI

May 19, 2020
Regarding mobility rights, pursuant to section 6(2) of the Charter, individuals may take up residence…

CCLA Writes to NB: Mobility Rights and Travel to New Brunswick

May 15, 2020
We are writing you regarding New Brunswick’s recently renewed and revised Mandatory Order related to…

CCLA Writes to NL: Reconsider Travel Ban and Bill 38

May 12, 2020
Pursuant to a Special Measure issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Special Measures…

Government Censorship and Pandemic “Mis”Information

April 28, 2020
Canada can flatten the curve without flattening free speech. Government censorship is hardly a public…

Children and Parents Belong Together, Especially During a Pandemic

April 24, 2020
It has come to our attention that many Children’s Aid Societies have effectively cancelled all…

CCLA to Northwest Territories Chief Public Health Officer

April 20, 2020
We are concerned in particular with the prohibitions on public and private outdoor gatherings contained…

A G20 Victory Ten Years In The Making

April 17, 2020
The Ontario Court of Appeal has handed down an important decision in a case that…

The Albertan Government Covers its Tracks and Grabs Power in Bill 10

April 14, 2020
The Albertan government has capitalised on the confusion of the coronavirus crisis to cover up past mistakes and to grant…

CCLA to Nunavut: Concerns Restricting Gatherings

April 8, 2020
We have grave concerns that the order is unconstitutional. While we appreciate that public health…

Physical Distancing Shouldn’t Preclude Public Dissent

April 3, 2020
Remember protest and dissent? It is hard to believe that just six weeks ago the…

Freedom Fighting During a Pandemic

April 2, 2020
Go read Leonard Cohen’s “Moving Into a Period” in his Book of Longing. Cohen foresaw…

CCLA to Federal Attorney General and Federal Governor General

March 26, 2020
I am writing about the failure of Canada to disclose its Governor in Council orders…

Emergency Powers and Transparency

March 25, 2020
For civil libertarians, invoking emergency legislation is usually considered no-no. As a civil rights watchdog…

CCLA to NS Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing: What’s Your Plan?

March 24, 2020
We are writing regarding the Direction under a Declared State of Emergency that you recently…

Misinformation: Is it Time For Social Media Distancing?

March 20, 2020
The pursuit of the truth today is not an academic or recreational exercise – we…

Democratic Hygiene Amid Tough Talk by NFLD Health Minister

March 19, 2020
On 18th March 2020, Newfoundland Health Minister John Haggie, held a press conference to announce…

Update on Air Travel Restrictions for Canadians Returning Home

March 19, 2020
CCLA asked the feds for more timely transparency by releasing their interim Cabinet orders for…

Emergency Orders Declared Across The Country

March 19, 2020
Emergency management orders can be made by federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government, where…

Balancing Public Health with the Rights of Canadians

March 19, 2020
CCLA speaks to various media outlets across the country to discuss the importance of upholding…

CCLA Wants to Bring Canadians Home. Now.

March 19, 2020
The federal government announces that symptomatic Canadians stuck abroad will be able to come back…

What are the Human Rights Implications of Quarantine Orders?

March 19, 2020
Public officials must ensure that the quarantined have adequate living conditions and the effective right…

2020 Quebec Superior Court

December 20, 2019
Suspending Bill 21 is an urgent matter. We were before the Quebec Court of Appeal…

A Chilly Climate for Free Speech This Election Season

August 20, 2019
An election is a time when we should be encouraging debate and discussion from all…

Seeking to Appeal Interim Decision on Bill 21

July 23, 2019
CIVIL LIBERTIES GROUPS SEEK LEAVE TO APPEAL BILL 21 DECISION NCCM & CCLA file an…

Fighting Quebec’s Religious Symbol’s Ban – As it Unfolds

June 19, 2019
CCLA is currently challenging the discriminatory religious symbols ban, Bill 21 in Quebec alongside the…

CCLA In Court: Freedom of Religion

June 17, 2019
Bill 21 Constitutional Challenge and Application for Suspension of The Law

CCLA and NCCM’s Application Regarding Quebec’s Religious Symbols Ban

June 17, 2019
Bill 21, An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State, passed in the Quebec National…

Can a Politician Block You on Twitter?

June 7, 2019
Can an elected representative block a critical constituent on Twitter? What about suing another representative…

Breaking Down the “Digital Charter” – Part 1

May 24, 2019
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA at the Supreme Court: Journalistic Source Protection

May 16, 2019
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

An Even Bigger Victory for Equality, Abortion, and the Rights of Vulnerable Patients

May 15, 2019
The Court of Appeal for Ontario has ruled in favour of vulnerable patients and their…

Access to Abortion, Dying with Dignity, and More Upheld by Ontario Court of Appeal

May 15, 2019
Doctors in Ontario will not be required to personally perform abortions, medical assistance in dying,…

CCLA Voices Concern Over Several Measures In Budget Bill

May 13, 2019
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

In the Fight for Free Speech, Where Does Facebook Fit?

May 10, 2019
As an organization with a strong commitment to freedom of expression, CCLA has traditionally focused…

CCLA Letter to Ontario Government Regarding Carbon Tax Stickers

April 30, 2019
We have put Ontario government on notice that we will challenge their unconstitutional, compelled speech…

CCLA at the Supreme Court: What Happens When the Police Arrest You for a Non-Existent Offence?

April 18, 2019
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. It may be hard to believe, but earlier…

Carbon Tax “Notice” Requirement is Provincial Government Propaganda, Plain and Simple

April 15, 2019
Forcing an opinion on someone, or putting words in their mouth, is a violation of…

Statement on Julian Assange’s Detention by CCLA And INCLO Members

April 15, 2019
The undersigned members of the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCLO) express concern over…

Letter to Quebec Minister of Justice Regarding Child Pornography Prosecution Against Author/Editor

April 12, 2019
Letter to Quebec Minister of Justice Regarding Child Pornography Prosecution Against Author/Editor

Young Voices, Youth Activism, and Social Change

April 11, 2019
In these days of heavy-handed rhetoric from our leaders and political infighting, it is easy…
Activists Protesting Peacefully in the street

Student Walkouts: You’ve Got The Power, We’ve Got Your Back.

April 3, 2019
We are writing about the student walkout planned for Thursday, April 4, 2019, at public…

CCLA at The Supreme Court: When Can The Police Arrest You to ‘Protect’ You?

March 21, 2019
How far can police officers go when initiating a “protective” arrest? Can innocent protestors be…

CCLA to Ottawa: Call an SCC Reference

February 23, 2019
Of the many tools at the disposal of a government in times of profound uncertainty,…

This Public Consultation on Sex Ed is Keeping a Lot Secret

February 14, 2019
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Money (That’s What They Want)

February 13, 2019
It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that the collection of our private, personal…

Shaving the Constitutional Tiger: Attorney General 101

February 8, 2019
As the SNC-Lavalin prosecution controversy unfolds, Canadians are digging into a part of our constitution…

The PMO has Discovered the Presumption of Innocence

February 7, 2019
SNC-Gate might be the way the Kremlin works, wherein Putin officials manipulate the justice system…

Dialing 911 On Hate Speech Against Women

January 29, 2019
Equality rights need teeth. Criminalizing expression violates freedom of speech. Both ideals are true and…

Governing by Mercenary

January 29, 2019
As with the U.S. over-reliance upon private contractors to wage wars, in Canada, we too…

A Victory For Democratic Rights At The Supreme Court

January 11, 2019
Today, the Supreme Court of Canada has released its long awaited decision in Frank v Canada, striking provisions…

Federal Government’s Election Reforms Fall Short

December 11, 2018
Yesterday, the government passed sweeping new legislation that will govern the 2019 federal election. Many…

Vice Media Appeal Could Spell Bleak Friday For Press Freedom

December 3, 2018
A week after Black Friday may render Bleak Friday for press freedom if the Supreme…

What The Vice Media Decision Might Mean For Press Freedome

December 3, 2018
The Supreme Court’s decision in R. v. Vice Media Canada Inc. is not the victory for press…

Contact Your MPP to Stop the Misuse of the Notwithstanding Clause

September 12, 2018
Urge your MPP to vote against the Ontario government’s proposed usage of the notwithstanding clause.

March For Our Education

July 23, 2018
On Saturday July 21st, hundreds of people gathered at the March For Our Education event at Queen’s…

Premier Ford’s Back-To-Work Legislation Will Violate Civil Liberties, Hurt Students

July 16, 2018
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario have joined with striking…

CCLA & NCCM Successfully Obtain Renewed Stay Against Quebec’s Bill 62

June 29, 2018
The CCLA and the NCCM, two prominent civil liberties & advocacy organizations, have successfully obtained…

INCLO Report Release: Defending Dissent: State Practices that Protect and Promote the Right to Protest

June 27, 2018
INCLO and the IHRC launched a report today that provides practical guidance on how law enforcement…

LGBTQ+ and Gender Equality Triumph: TWU v LSUC

June 15, 2018
LGBTQ+ and gender equality prevailed today, consistent with CCLA’s position, before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Thousands Protest Against G7 Summit by National Assembly in Quebec City

June 13, 2018
Last weekend, protesters assembled in Quebec City to express their opinions on the G7 Summit…

CCLA Highlights Concerns With Bill C-76: Elections Modernization Act

June 8, 2018
CCLA’s Director of Fundamental Freedoms Cara Zwibel appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee…

Victory For Free Speech In Supreme Court Decision: Groia

June 1, 2018
The Supreme Court today has released its decision in Groia v. Law Society of Upper Canada, a case that…

CCLA Follows Up On YorkU Strike

June 1, 2018
The following letter was sent to Ms. Lucy Fromowitz on May 30, 2018.

Bill 62 (Niqab Ban) Guidelines Cannot Save An Unconstitutional…

May 11, 2018
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

CCLA Talks Right to Protest at University of Chicago Law School

April 2, 2018
Last week, CCLA’s Director of Public Safety, Rob De Luca, participated in consultation sessions with…

Yorku Protesters: You Have The Power. We Have Your Back (Survey)

March 27, 2018
I am writing to you about disturbing reports regarding the reported activities of security personnel…

CCLA Fights to Protect The Right to Vote

March 21, 2018
Today, CCLA is appearing before the Supreme Court in Frank v Canada to defend the…

CCLA at Supreme Court in Trinity Western Case – Hearing This Week

November 29, 2017
TORONTO, Ont. – This week- on November 30th and December 1st – the Canadian Civil…

CCLA and NCCM Launch Legal Challenge Against Quebec’s Bill 62

November 7, 2017
(Montreal – November 7, 2017) – The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the National…

CCLA in The Supreme Court: Freedom of Religion

November 3, 2017
Bill 62 Application for Judicial Review (Declaration of Invalidity) and Application for an Interim Stay

Quebec Bill 62 Infringes on Freedom of Religion and Equality

October 17, 2017
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

How Religious Teachings in Public Schools Violates Human Rights: Joint Presentation Before Argentina’s Supreme Court

August 30, 2017
On Wednesday, August 30, the Argentine Supreme Court held a public hearing on the constitutionality…

Supreme Court Case Upholds Order Against Google

June 28, 2017
TORONTO, Ont. ̶ Today’s Supreme Court of Canada decision against Google permits Canadian courts to…

A Win for Online Privacy Rights at The Supreme Court: Douez V Facebook

June 23, 2017
CCLA’s voice was heard and recognized in the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision released…

Vice Media Ruling Raises Serious Questions About Press Freedoms

March 22, 2017
TORONTO ̶ In a ruling today that raises serious questions about reporters’ ability to protect…

Statement on Release of New U.S. Travel Restrictions

March 6, 2017
The CCLA is still seriously concerned by the potential impact on refugees and asylum seekers…

Canada Post Order Undermines Free Speech

June 10, 2016
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Supreme Court Ruling On Assisted Dying To Become Law,…

June 6, 2016
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Schmidt Case Shows Higher Rights Protection Standards Needed In…

March 2, 2016
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…

Federal Court Case Challenges Government’s Respect for Charter of Rights and Freedoms

September 30, 2015
Ottawa, ON – Last week, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) intervened in the Federal…

CCLA & CJFE Mounting Charter Challenge Against Bill C-51

July 21, 2015
TORONTO (July 21, 2015) — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and Canadian Journalists for…

On to The Courts: Bill C-51 Passed by Senate

June 9, 2015
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is deeply disappointed that Bill C-51 (Anti-Terrorist Act, 2015)…