TORONTO – In a time when the right to protest is on all our minds, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has released an updated Know Your Rights guide to help protestors safeguard their rights and navigate encounters with police.
“Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights” said Shakir Rahim, Director of CCLA’s Criminal Justice Program. “Every protestor should know their legal protections and how to assert them.”
The new guide explains key legal rights when participating in protests, outlines the state of the law on peaceful assembly and free expression, and provides clear steps on what to do if detained or arrested. A companion FAQ sheet is also available.
“Peaceful protests play a unique role in our society, as they enable people to come together to participate in public discourse, express dissent, and hold those in power accountable,” said Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of CCLA’s Fundamental Freedoms Program. “No matter the cause or viewpoint, people of Canada must be able to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or unlawful interference.”
The CCLA extends its sincere thanks to Arash Ghiassi (Savards LLP), Theresa Donker, and Krisna Saravanamuttu (Rudnicki & Company) for their pro bono legal assistance in preparing these materials.
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
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