CCLA intervenes in Wright v Yukon 

CCLA has filed arguments in Wright v Yukon, a case that challenges the constitutionality of the power of the state to instigate evictions under the Yukon’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN Act). Under section 3(2) of the SCAN Act, anonymous complaints can trigger broad law enforcement powers, including state enabled evictions of residents from their homes.  

Dans Wright v Yukon, the Wright family, their eight children, and extended family members were evicted from their home, under the SCAN Act, in the middle of the Yukon winter, during the Covid-19 pandemic just weeks prior to the holidays.  

The CCLA, an intervenor in the case, argues that SCAN Act evictions are a deprivation of liberty and disproportionately impact vulnerable and marginalized communities, such as Indigenous people.   

“SCAN Act evictions are a gross deprivation of liberty interests that are unconstitutional and contrary to Canada’s international legal obligations” says Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. “State-sponsored evictions of tenants also risk exposing vulnerable and marginalized families to homelessness.”   

The hearing at the Supreme Court of Yukon is scheduled to be heard from November 6-10, 2023. 

CCLA is grateful to pro bono legal counsel Brent Olthuis, K.C. and Fraser Harland of Olthuis van Ert, for their representation in this case. 

Read CCLA’s factum on the merit.

À propos de l’association canadienne sur les libertés civiles
L’ACLC est un organisme indépendant à but non lucratif qui compte des partisans dans tout le pays. Fondée en 1964, c’est une association de défense des droits de la personne qui opère à l’échelle du Canada pour défendre les droits, la dignité, la sécurité et les libertés de toute la population.

Communications avec les médias :
media@ccla.org
Alex Nanoff – 613.709.6318