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MAJOR CASES AND REPORTS

What We're Working On Right Now
Our Recent Cases and Reports

CCLA is always working to protect your civil liberties.

Below is a list of our latest high-profile cases and reports.
Be sure to check back often, to stay up to date with the latest news about your civil liberties.

Anti-Protest Bylaws

Vaughan's anti-protest bylaw makes people liable for fines of up to $100,000 for having participated in an offensive, yet peaceful, protest near some social infrastructure. We believe this is unconstitutional.
VIEW CASE

Notwithstanding Clause: Save Our Charter

Governments across Canada are using the notwithstanding clause to undermine important fundamental rights and freedoms protected under the Charter.
VIEW CASE

Bail and Pre-Trial Detention

The proportion of people denied bail is at a record level, the Charter right to a timely bail hearing is often violated, conditions in pre-trial detention are dangerous and inhumane, and vulnerable groups continue to be unfairly denied bail.
VIEW CASE

Strip Searches in Ontario Prisons

Ontario's law gives provincial prisons carte blanche to strip search any prisoner, at any time, for no reason. We believe the law is unconstitutional.
VIEW CASE

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

Racial Profiling

Canadian police detain thousands of racialized persons in suspicionless roadside stops each year. These police powers enable racial profiling and we believe they are unconstitutional.
VIEW CASE

Protecting Reproductive Rights 

A New Brunswick regulation restricts access to abortion unless done in approved hospitals, even though this restriction is not medically necessary or justified. The New Brunswick law has createD a serious issue for New Brunswick women, girls and trans people who need access to abortion, a basic form of health care.

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

 

Anti-Protest Bylaws

July 4, 2025

Notwithstanding Clause: Save Our Charter

July 3, 2025

Bail and Pre-Trial Detention

July 2, 2025

Strip Searches in Ontario Prisons

June 21, 2022

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.

Racial Profiling

Waterfront Toronto contracted with Google’s sibling Sidewalk Labs to create a smart city project in downtown Toronto. This project would be a sensor-laden neighbourhood, collecting data on people who live, work, or visit the area. Losing the ability to be a face in the crowd, and so much of our privacy, is what’s at stake. So we launched a legal action to reset the project.

Reproductive Rights

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.

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.

Latest Briefs and Updates

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Emergencies Act Challenge: CCLA in Court Today to Defend Historic Victory

TORONTO — Today, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association is before the Federal Court of Appeal to…
February 4, 2025

Constitutional Challenge to Bill 21 Goes to the Supreme Court of Canada

Ms. Ichrak Nourel Hak, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), and the Canadian Civil…
January 23, 2025

CCLA Announces Victory and Discontinues Abortion Access Challenge in New Brunswick

TORONTO - Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
January 13, 2025

CCLA Welcomes Amendments to Regulations That Remove Legal Barriers to Abortion Care Access

Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the…
November 7, 2024

Read Our Letter to the New Premier of New Brunswick

In our recent letter to the new Premier of New Brunswick, we address a crucial…
November 5, 2024

CCLA Files Submissions to Uphold Ruling Against Federal Government’s Use of Emergencies Act

MONTREAL — Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms program at the Canadian Civil…
October 8, 2024

Leave to Appeal Filed at the Supreme Court of Canada on Bill 21 Case

OTTAWA — The National Council for Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and…
April 30, 2024

CCLA Granted Leave to Challenge Arbitrary Travel Restrictions Before the SCC

Arbitrary travel restrictions infringe on the mobility rights of Canadians. CCLA’s challenge of Newfoundland government’s…
April 26, 2024

CCLA Reacts to Bill 21

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

Extending the use of Notwithstanding Clause in Bill 21 is a grave injustice

TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
February 13, 2024

Inequitable Access to Abortion Services in New Brunswick Puts Lives at Risk

TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, reacted to…
February 2, 2024

Emergencies Act FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA Intervenes in Mathur Case

CCLA has been granted leave to intervene in the Mathur v His Majesty the King…
October 17, 2023

CCLA Calls for Immediate Reforms to Prison Strip Searches in Ontario, Implementation of Body Scanners as Alternative

TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is demanding the Government of Ontario fix significant…
August 28, 2023

Decision in Taylor v. Newfoundland Case

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

CCLA Reaction to Public Order Emergency Commission

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

CCLA Notches Legal Victory Against Government in Emergencies Act Case

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

CCLA releases Ebook: Civil Liberties & the Emergencies Act

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

CCLA Closing Statement at Public Order Emergency Commission

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

CCLA reacts to Prime Minister Trudeau’s testimony at POEC

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

CCLA reacts to Minister Freeland’s testimony at POEC

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

CCLA reacts to Minister Lametti’s testimony at POEC

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

CCLA reacts to Minister Mendicino’s testimony at POEC

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

CCLA Reacts to CSIS’ Testimony at POEC

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

Emergency is Not in the Eye of the Beholder

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

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

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

Huge Victory Against Racial Profiling in Quebec Superior Court

MONTREAL — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (“CCLA”), as a party intervening in the case…
October 26, 2022

Landmark Racial Profiling Decision – Unofficial English Translation – Quebec Superior Court (select passages)

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION of Joseph-Christopher Luamba (Plaintiff) v Attorney General of Québec and Attorney General of…
October 25, 2022

Huge Victory Against Racial Profiling: Decision from Quebec Superior Court

Huge victory against racial profiling in Quebec! We were very happy to work in support…
October 25, 2022

Statement on Ford Seeking Judicial Review

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

Premier Ford Must Testify

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

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

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

Statement on Public Order Emergency Commission Proceedings of October 14

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

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

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

BBC News: Freedom Convoy: Trudeau to testify at Emergencies Act inquiry

"The protests needed to be addressed but the government also had an obligation to comply…
October 13, 2022

Government Had Other Options Than The Emergencies Act

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

Federal Court Releases Decision on Cabinet Confidences Motion

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

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

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

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

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

CCLA Demands Immediate Repeal of Regulations Limiting Abortion Access in NB

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

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

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

Racial Profiling on Trial: an Update from the Frontlines

Last year the CCLA became involved in a constitutional challenge to the laws that grant…
June 28, 2022

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

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

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

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

CCLA Reacts to Former Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly’s Comments on Invocation of the Emergencies Act

Abby Deshman, Director of the Criminal Justice program for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
June 3, 2022

CCLA Response to Federal Government Announcement of Emergencies Act Inquiry

Abby Deshman, Director of the Criminal Justice program for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
April 25, 2022

Civil Society Calling for Robust Inquiry Into Use of Emergencies Act

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is joining with a diverse group of civil society…
April 13, 2022

Prison Pandemic Papers Documenting Impact of COVID-19 in Jails, Prisons & Penitentiaries Across Canada Launched

Today, the Prison Pandemic Papers were launched online, making available previously unpublished government records.
March 8, 2022

Join Us As We Stand Against Bill 21 and for Human Rights

This is a critical moment.
February 24, 2022

CCLA Reaction to the Revocation of the Declaration of Emergency

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

CCLA Reaction to Vote in the House

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

CCLA Will Fight Invocation of Emergencies Act in Court

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

Remarks From the Emergencies Act Press Release of February 2022

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

CCLA Statement on the Emergencies Act

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

CCLA’s Statement on Quebec’s Tax Proposal

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

CCLA to Premier Legault: End the Curfew

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

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

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

Youth in detention deserve better education: CCLA Research Report

CCLA’s report concludes that there are significant differences in the quality and quantity of formal…
November 30, 2021

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

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

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

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

FAQ: Vaccine Passports

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

CCLA Responds to Toronto Ombudsman Report, Calls for Amnesty for Unfair COVID Tickets

Our two co-authored reports on COVID-19 and law enforcement, Stay off the Grass (June 2020)…
July 30, 2021

CCLA Seeks to Appeal Nova Scotia Anti-Protest Injunction

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

Statement on Toronto Ombudsman’s Report

This report is a robust affirmation of the issues we have been raising since the…
July 9, 2021

Ontario Government Agrees to Human Rights Groups’ Demands to End Police Access to COVID Database

June 28, 2021

Nova Scotia Attempting to Avoid Public Scrutiny

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

Reaction To New Vaccine Passport ‘Benefits’

As Manitoba announces new “benefits” to be conferred on the fully vaccinated, the questions we…
June 24, 2021

Letter to Manitoba re: Vaccine Passports

We are writing regarding the Manitoba government’s plan to provide individuals with proof of vaccination…
June 17, 2021

Letter to Nunavut re: Travel and Self-Isolation Requirements

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

CCLA Wins First Round of Abortion Challenge In New Brunswick

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has begun the process of taking New Brunswick to court…
June 1, 2021

City of Toronto Progress Reports on Homeless Shelters

Weekly Progress Reports, published by the City of Toronto, detailing the capacity, occupancy, and other…
May 31, 2021

CCLA to Challenge Nova Scotia’s Protest Injunction

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

CCLA Taking Steps to Fight Nova Scotia’s Protest Injunction

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

CCLA Files For Public Interest Standing In New Brunswick Abortion Lawsuit

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has begun the process of taking New Brunswick to court…
May 17, 2021

CCLA and PPMP Release New Report Examining Covid-19 Policing in the Second Wave

Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Policing the Pandemic Mapping Project released a new report…
May 11, 2021

Letter To NS re: Travel Restrictions

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

CCLA & NCCM Appealing Bill 21 Decision

May 6, 2021

Know Your Rights for Ontarians

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

CCLA Remarks on Bill 21 Judgment by the Quebec Superior Court

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

Update on CCLA’s Challenge to Ontario’s New Regulation

"We will take yes for an answer and put this legal challenge on pause, with…
April 17, 2021

CCLA to Challenge Ontario’s “Black Friday” Regulation

“We have today retained counsel and are preparing to go to court in the coming…
April 17, 2021

Letter to NB re: Travel Restrictions

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

Statement on Anti-Asian Racism

Misplaced fear and ignorance feeds racism, today and yesterday. Growing up in British Columbia, the…
April 6, 2021

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

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

Premier Legault—It’s Time To Drop The Curfew

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

CCLA and Partners Release Update on COVID-19 and Prison Settings

CCLA along with its organizational partners in the Prison Pandemic Partnership is calling upon federal,…
March 19, 2021

CCLA Calls Out Thunder Bay’s Unconstitutional COVID-19 Order

On February 8, 2021, Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. DeMille, issued a Class…
March 8, 2021

Better Safe Than Sorry is the Motto of a Police State

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

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

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

Justice Vs. Surveillance: Protecting Privacy in Smart Cities

In this episode of Justice Vs., we speak to Dr. Brenda McPhail, CCLA’s Privacy, Surveillance…
February 5, 2021

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

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

New Analysis of COVID-19 Infections Behind Bars Underscores the Need to Depopulate Prisons

CCLA, as part of its Prison Pandemic Partnership Project, is helping to track the spread…
February 3, 2021

National Coalition Calls on Government to Act to Protect Prisoners Against COVID-19

Yesterday, CCLA joined with a coalition of organizations to again call on the Canadian government…
January 21, 2021

CCLA on Ontario’s Stay-at-Home Order

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

CCLA Sounds Alarm as COVID in Prisons Reaches Unprecedented Levels

Preliminary findings released today by the Prison Pandemic Partnership, which includes the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, reveal…
January 12, 2021

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

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

Emergency Measures by Province

Public Health News in Canada: Issues and Updates
January 4, 2021

Public Health News: Emergency COVID Measures by Province

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has been granted permission to intervene in a case in…
January 4, 2021

Whose Religious Symbols Can Shine???

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

CCLA Writes to BC Provincial Health Officer Regarding Religious Services

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

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

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

Mandatory Vaccination Laws: What Laws?

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

Proof of Vaccination

Ontario’s health minister openly suggested that people who don’t have proof they’ve chosen to receive…
December 9, 2020

Ad Hoc Tribunals During Public Emergencies

We can be justifiably smug in Canada about our internationally renowned independent judiciary, in contrast…
December 4, 2020

BC Travel Restrictions Unconstitutional, No New Fines Needed

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

COVID-19 Fines Will Likely Make Pandemic Worse

On November 7, Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, held an unusual press…
November 20, 2020

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

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

COVID Shines a Light on Need for Reform of Ontario’s Child Protection System

The pandemic has amplified many of the problems with our child protection system. There have…
November 19, 2020

Hybrid Classes Raise Privacy Risks

Our organization has received several calls from teachers in your Board expressing their feelings of…
November 18, 2020

CCLA Memorandum to Ministers Responsible for Human Rights

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

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

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

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

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

Why Mobility Rights Continue to Matter

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

Superior Court Rules that the City of Toronto failed to protect the homeless.

The Ontario Superior Court ruled that the City of Toronto failed to comply with a…
October 15, 2020

CCLA Will Sue New Brunswick Over Abortion Restrictions

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has begun the process of taking New Brunswick to court…
October 15, 2020

CCLA Wins Fight for Homeless Against City

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and coalition partners have won a lawsuit agains the City…
October 15, 2020

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

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

Guess Who’s Coming to Thanksgiving Dinner, Quebec?

The Quebec government has put the police on the frontlines of the pandemic and placed…
October 12, 2020

Quebec Doubles Down on Its Punitive Approach to COVID

Quebec’s new COVID restrictions are simultaneously strict and bewildering. Millions of Quebeckers in the ‘red…
October 5, 2020

The City of Toronto Breached the Agreement to Protect Those Experiencing Homelessness

The City of Toronto breached the agreement to protect those experiencing homelessness, and we are…
September 30, 2020

Inaccurate, Unreliable, Dysfunctional: A Glimpse Into Ontario’s Now-Defunct COVID Database for Police

In the spring the Ontario government launched a database of COVID test results, with the…
September 30, 2020

City breached agreement to protect homeless

The City of Toronto is putting the lives of those experiencing homelessness as well as…
September 29, 2020

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

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

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

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

Ontario Government Revokes Emergency Order

The Ontario government has ended police access to a COVID-19 database after CCLA and partners…
August 17, 2020

Bill 195: Ontario’s Power Grab

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

CCLA & Partners Launch Action to Stop Ontario Government’s Disclosure of COVID Status to Police

The CCLA has joined with Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS), the Black Legal Action Centre, and…
July 16, 2020

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

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

Class Action Launched re Illegal Strip Searches

A major class action is being launched today on behalf of Canadians illegally strip searched…
July 7, 2020

Coalition Calls on Government to Release COVID Information on Ontario Jails

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
July 7, 2020

Homelessness Advocates Take City Back to Court over COVID-19 Shelter Crisis

Homelessness advocates are taking the City of Toronto back to court, to enforce the City’s…
July 6, 2020

Contact Tracing App in Canada: To Download or Not

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

On Mandatory Masks

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

Let’s Not Forget, We Won

June 25th was supposed to be Decision Day, the day Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto would…
June 26, 2020

Stay Off the Grass: COVID-19 and Law Enforcement in Canada

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
June 23, 2020

How Long Can We Live in a State of Emergency?

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

The Canadian Contact Tracing Experiment Begins

A social experiment in technologically-assisted tracking for public health purposes is about to being in…
June 18, 2020

CCLA Writes to YT: Mobility Rights and Travel to Yukon

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

A Crisis is a Terrible Time to Legislate

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

No Mask, No Service? Not so Fast.

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

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

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

CCLA Writes to NU: Mobility Rights and Travel to Nunavut

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

“Immunity Passports”: a New Journey to Inequality

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

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

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

CCLA In The Supreme Court: Mobility Rights

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

There Are No Provincial Borders in Canada

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

CCLA and Coalition Partners Help Toronto’s Homeless Population

The City of Toronto has finally committed to enforceable physical distancing standards across its shelter…
May 19, 2020

CCLA Writes to PEI: Mobility Rights and Travel to PEI

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

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

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

CCLA Writes to NL: Reconsider Travel Ban and Bill 38

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

CCLA and Partners File Legal Case Against the Correctional Service of Canada

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and its coalition partners have filed a constitutional challenge to…
May 12, 2020

Promoting Health, Not Authoritarianism

Hundreds of epidemics have afflicted humankind. Few rivaled smallpox, which was easily spread and often…
May 1, 2020

Government Censorship and Pandemic “Mis”Information

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

Children and Parents Belong Together, Especially During a Pandemic

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

CCLA Defends Toronto’s Homeless Population

Toronto has failed to protect homeless people in its over-crowded shelter and respite system –…
April 24, 2020

CCLA Questions Ottawa Policing

Ignorance of the law is ordinarily an invalid defence. But nothing is ordinary about a…
April 24, 2020

CCLA to Ontario: Clarify How People Can Fight Fines

Two days ago we wrote to the Ontario government about the fact that people are…
April 24, 2020

CCLA and Partners Question Government on Decision to Share COVID-19 Test Results with Police

Last week police services across Ontario quietly got access to a new database – a…
April 23, 2020

CCLA to Ontario: Fix COVID Tix Process

Currently, under section 9 of the Provincial Offences Act, an individual is deemed not to…
April 23, 2020

Letter to Correctional Service of Canada

We express our deep concern regarding the health and well-being of the inmates and staff…
April 22, 2020

Too Many COVID Charges, Too Many Tickets, Too Many Fines.

Too many COVID charges, too many tickets, too many fines. It’s a public health crisis,…
April 21, 2020

CCLA with Coalition Warns Legal Action Against City of Toronto for Failure to Support Homeless People

Toronto has failed to protect homeless people in its over-crowded shelter and respite system –…
April 21, 2020

Data Surveillance by Canadian Governments as COVID Response: CCLA’s Privacy Protection Prescription

We are writing you about the use of technologically-mediated surveillance as a public health response…
April 20, 2020

CCLA to Northwest Territories Chief Public Health Officer

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

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

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

CCLA to Nunavut: Concerns Restricting Gatherings

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

Pandemic Policing Has Taken a Punitive Turn in Ottawa

Being a mature democratic country with a constitutional bill of rights means that instant, mass…
April 7, 2020

CCLA to Ottawa: Stop Overpolicing During a Pandemic

Firstly, we are receiving a large number of reports from the public that your police…
April 6, 2020

CCLA to Attorney General: Concerns About Carding Under Emergency Order

As you know concerns about carding, racial and social profiling led to a serious crisis…
April 3, 2020

Physical Distancing Shouldn’t Preclude Public Dissent

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

Drastic Action Needed; Protect Incarcerated, Correctional Workers & Broader Communities

A Letter from CCLA to All Provinces and Territories: New Brunswick
April 2, 2020

CCLA to Provinces & Territories: Drastic Action Needed Now

CCLA to Provinces and Territories: CCLA has written to government ministers across the country to…
April 2, 2020

Carding in a Pandemic

While we certainly understand the enormity of the pandemic, and of the province’s task in…
April 2, 2020

CCLA to CACP: Transparency in Emergency Police Powers is Needed

I am writing to urge that the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police take an…
April 2, 2020

Freedom Fighting During a Pandemic

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

CCLA’s Urgent COVID Response for Toronto Homeless Population

We are writing you about actions and omissions by the City of Toronto with respect…
March 29, 2020

CCLA to Federal Attorney General and Federal Governor General

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

Emergency Powers and Transparency

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

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

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

Public Health, Pandemics and Privacy

Technology can be used as a tool to support human health and dignity, or to…
March 20, 2020

Democratic Hygiene Amid Tough Talk by NFLD Health Minister

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

Update on Air Travel Restrictions for Canadians Returning Home

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

Emergency Orders Declared Across The Country

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

Protecting the Forgotten During Canada’s Response to Coronavirus: The Jailed

Canada must protect those who are often forgotten in a crisis: legally innocent people held…
March 19, 2020

Balancing Public Health with the Rights of Canadians

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

CCLA Wants to Bring Canadians Home. Now.

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

What are the Human Rights Implications of Quarantine Orders?

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

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Quarantine Law

This post discusses the civil liberties implications of the coronavirus quarantines taking place in 2020…
March 12, 2020

Statement On The Reset Of The Quayside Project

Today’s news that Sidewalk Labs has withdrawn from pursuing the project is a victory for…
March 7, 2020

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Appeal by Government against CCLA’s Challenge of Solitary Confinement Laws

Today, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision granting the government of Canada leave…
February 13, 2020

2020 Quebec Superior Court

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

Seeking to Appeal Interim Decision on Bill 21

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

CCLA Joins Rights Groups Challenging Mass Surveillance In Europe

Following last year’s victory in which the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found the…
July 10, 2019

Attorney General of Canada V. Corporation of The Canadian Civil Liberties Association Factum

Attorney General Of Canada V. Corporation of The Canadian Civil Liberties Association Factum
June 28, 2019

CCLA v. Waterfront Toronto, et. aI: Public Court Documents

CCLA v. Waterfront Toronto, et. aI: Public Court Documents
June 24, 2019

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

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

Solitary Confinement: The Case Goes On

Canada’s solitary confinement regime is due to end on Monday but the government has sought…
June 18, 2019

CCLA In Court: Freedom of Religion

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

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

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

CCLA Written Submission to Toronto City Council Executive Committee

CCLA provided a written submission to Toronto’s Executive Committee for their consideration during their recent…
June 6, 2019

CCLA Voices Concern Over Several Measures In Budget Bill

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

CCLA Letter to Ontario Government Regarding Carbon Tax Stickers

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

Solitary confinement is no joking matter – and the courts are not amused – AGAIN!

The Ontario Court of Appeal has once more handed down a scathing decision to the…
April 29, 2019

Ontario Court of Appeals on Federal Governments Second Request for an Extension on Solitary Confinement

Ontario Court of Appeals on Federal Governments Second Request for an Extension on Solitary Confinement
April 26, 2019

CCLA at The Supreme Court: Privacy Lost

It’s a loss for privacy in a disappointing Supreme Court decision released April 18 in…
April 19, 2019

Canada Responds to CCLA’s Demand for Waterfront Toronto Quayside Project Reset

Canada Responds to CCLA’s Demand for Waterfront Toronto Quayside Project Reset
April 18, 2019

CCLA at SCC: Mills

CCLA at SCC: Mills
April 17, 2019

CCLA Commences Proceedings Against Waterfront Toronto

Today, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association along with co-applicant Lester Brown, commenced proceedings against Waterfront…
April 16, 2019

Demanding Our Privacy Rights Get a Seat at The Table

CCLA is going to court to reset the Waterfront Toronto/Sidewalk Labs smart city project.  A…
April 16, 2019

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

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

End to Solitary Confinement as We Know It

In an extraordinary decision, the Ontario Court of Appeal has ordered an end to prolonged…
March 28, 2019

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

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

Open Letter from CCLA: Calling for a Reset on Waterfront Toronto

Dear Prime Minister, Premier and Mayor, We are writing to you about the Smart City initiative for the Toronto Eastern…
March 5, 2019

Privacy Wins: Jarvis Decision Confirms Privacy Rights Exist in Public Spaces

A teacher who argued at the Supreme Court that his secret filming of girls’ cleavage…
February 14, 2019

Shaving the Constitutional Tiger: Attorney General 101

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

The PMO has Discovered the Presumption of Innocence

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

We’re not done talking about privacy in the smart city

Since Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto announced their agreement to develop a plan for a…
January 24, 2019

CCLA Wins Important Battle Against Feds On Solitary Confinement

The feds were scolded today by the Chief Justice of Ontario and its highest court,…
December 17, 2018

New Act Protects Ontarians From Release Of Unproven Allegations

Across the country, Canadians who have never been found guilty of a crime are unable to…
December 13, 2018

Auditor General To Toronto’s Smart Cities: Not So Fast

Ontario’s Auditor General this week took a provincial agency to task for its role in…
December 6, 2018

Ontario Leads The Way On Police Record Checks Reform

On November 1, 2018, the Police Records Checks Reform Act (PRCRA) comes into force.
November 1, 2018
Know your rights

What You Need To Know About The New Police Record Checks Reform Act

On November 1, 2018, the Police Records Checks Reform Act (PRCRA) comes into force. Police record checks…
November 1, 2018

Rights groups challenging solitary confinement in court release joint statement on Bill C-83

Today the three organizations fighting the federal government in BC and Ontario courts on solitary…
October 16, 2018

CCLA, INCLO and Others Welcome Historic Win Against Mass Surveillance in UK

In a landmark win for seven INCLO members, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)…
September 14, 2018

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

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

Keep Your Promise On Solitary Confinement, Groups Tell Ottawa

Rights groups in legal challenges unite to urge government to comply with court orders.
May 14, 2018

CCLA Court Challenge To Solitary Confinement: The Next Step

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
April 6, 2018

When a Criminal Record Becomes a Life Sentence: John Howard Society of Ontario

(Toronto, ON) Today the John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO) revealed the hidden but ruinous…
February 21, 2018

Legal Fight Against Solitary Confinement Continues

On December 18, 2017, Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco of the Ontario Superior Court released…
January 17, 2018

Court Strikes Down Solitary Confinement Regime in Response to CCLA’s Challenge

TORONTO, Ont. – In a victory for civil liberties, Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco of…
December 18, 2017

CCLA Segregation Challenge

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
September 13, 2017

CCLA Calls on Court to End Solitary Confinement – Hearing Starts September 11th

TORONTO, Ont. – On September 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
September 8, 2017

Ontario Must Curtail Segregation In Provincial Jails

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
May 12, 2016
Know your rights

Loku Inquest Must Address Bias In Policing

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
May 9, 2016

Government must end solitary confinement of mentally ill prisoners.

PRESS RELEASE: Canadian prisons need to drastically re-evaluate their use of solitary confinement, especially where…
March 10, 2010
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