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The criminal justice system wields some of the state’s most coercive powers. Police are granted powers stop, question, search, harm, and even kill, if necessary. Judges determine guilt and innocence. Prisons deprive people of their most basic liberties. CCLA’s criminal justice program works to ensure that these incredible powers are used proportionately, fairly, and only when absolutely necessary.

We monitor the legal and policy frameworks that govern policing, the criminal justice process, and our prisons and jails to ensure that our civil liberties and the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are respected. We also fight to illuminate and combat the discrimination – systemic and otherwise – that occurs at every stage of the criminal justice process and results in disproportionate harm to many historically disadvantaged communities, including Black and other racialized communities, Indigenous persons, those experiencing homelessness, people living with mental illness or addictions, migrants, and the LGBTQ2+ community.

Our Recent Cases and Reports

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

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.
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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.
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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.

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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

 

Detasking Toronto Police Report

CCLA Partners on Report, entitled Rethinking Community Safety – A Step Forward For Toronto, urging City of Toronto to shift resources and responsibilities away from the police and towards alternative crisis response and social support mechanisms.
VIEW REPORT

Strip Searches in Ontario Prisons

June 21, 2022

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.

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.

Detasking Toronto Police

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.

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

Criminal Justice Updates and Briefs

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CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court to Ensure Protection for Solicitor-Client Privilege

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene in R. v. Fox before the Supreme…
December 13, 2024

CCLA Urges Montreal to End Street Checks

CCLA wrote to the City of Montreal to urge them to end street checks in…
December 13, 2024

CCLA Ready to Defend Landmark Racial Profiling Decision

MONTREAL — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
December 5, 2024

CCLA Appearing Before Supreme Court to Ensure Fairness in Sentencing for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions or Cognitive Disabilities

Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has sent a letter to Brampton’s Mayor and City Councillors…
December 3, 2024

CCLA Intervening in Pivotal Case on Miscarriages of Justice before Supreme Court of Canada

The CCLA will appear before the Supreme Court of Canada in Bouvette v. R. on…
November 13, 2024

Long Overdue Review and Complaints Body for Canadian Border Services and Mounties Welcomed by Rights Advocates

OTTAWA – Civil society groups are welcoming the adoption of Bill C-20 and the long-overdue…
November 12, 2024

CCLA Condemns Government of Ontario’s Proposal to Imprison the Innocent

TORONTO —  Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, made the following statement: Ontario's proposal…
October 28, 2024

Unanimous Court of Appeal Judgment Upholds Landmark Racial Profiling Decision in Quebec

MONTREAL — Yesterday, the Court of Appeal of Quebec released a landmark judgment upholding a major civil…
October 24, 2024

CCLA Testifies on Bill C-70 Before Senate Standing Committee National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs

On June 10, 2024, Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms Program, and Shakir…
October 22, 2024

CCLA to Appear Before Supreme Court Today in I.M. v. R on Youth Criminal Justice

The CCLA will appear before the Supreme Court of Canada today as an intervenor in I.M.…
October 15, 2024

CCLA Testifies On Bill C-20 Before Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs

On October 7, 2024, Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, and Harini Sivalingam,…
October 10, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court in AGQ v. Senneville to Protect People from Cruel and Unusual Punishment

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
October 10, 2024

CCLA on John Howard Society of Saskatchewan vs the Government of Saskatchewan

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made…
October 8, 2024

CCLA Applauds Court Ruling Enhancing Police Accountability in D’Arthenay v. Ontario Provincial Police

The Ontario Divisional Court released its decision in D’Arthenay v. Ontario. The CCLA was an…
September 11, 2024

CCLA Files its Submission to the Toronto Police Service Board on the Upcoming Policy on Police Action in Respect of Protests

The Board policy must acknowledge that the Toronto Police Service, as all state actors, has…
September 4, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court to Ensure Fairness in Sentencing for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions or Cognitive Disabilities

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
August 20, 2024

CCLA on R. v. Pike and Scott

TORONTO —  Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
August 12, 2024

Tracking (In)Justice Project Launches Public Online Database of Over 2100 Deaths in Custody Across Canada Since the Year 2000

Database website: https://trackinginjustice.ca/ Press conference live at 11:00am ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/DBqPsqA7reE August 9, 2024, Ottawa, Canada:…
August 9, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court to Ensure Effective Interpretation of Law Helping Substance Users Access Emergency Medical Care

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
August 2, 2024

Supreme Court Affirms State Can Face Damages for Passing Legislation that Violates Charter

On July 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Canada (Attorney…
August 1, 2024

Supreme Court Affirms Importance of Open Court Principle in CBC v. Named Person

On June 7, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada released their decision in Canadian Broadcasting…
July 26, 2024

CCLA granted leave to intervene at Supreme Court of Canada to Ensure Fairness and Impartiality at Inmates’ Disciplinary Hearings

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association,…
July 23, 2024

CCLA Reacts to the Supreme Court of Canada

TORONTO — Today, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Attorney General of Canada v.…
July 19, 2024

CCLA Intervenes in D’Arthenay V Ontario Provincial Police

TORONTO - The CCLA will appear before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa…
June 25, 2024

Foreign Interference Bill: CCLA Warns the Senate Committee about Charter Issues that Must Be Addressed

On June 10, 2024, Shakir Rahim, director of the Criminal Justice program at the Canadian…
June 10, 2024

Civil Society Should be Granted Adequate Time to Meaningfully Engage in the Public Consultations Around the Foreign Interference Bill

TORONTO — Yesterday, Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) Lawyers Anaïs Bussières McNicoll (Director of the Fundamental…
June 5, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Supreme Court of Canada to Protect Rights of Youth in the Criminal Justice System

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
May 28, 2024

CCLA Intervening in Pivotal Case on Miscarriages of Justice before Supreme Court of Canada

The CCLA has been granted leave to intervene before the Supreme Court of Canada in…
May 24, 2024

CCLA Calls on Government of Ontario to Apologize for Soleiman Faqiri’s Death

The CCLA echoes the call of the Faqiri family for the Government of Ontario to…
May 16, 2024

CCLA Reaction to the Introduction of Bill C-70

On May 7, 2024, CCLA joined a call by civil society organizations, academics and experts…
May 14, 2024

Online Harms Act (Bill C-63): CCLA Joins Civil Society Call to Separate Parts Two and Three from the Bill

On May 7, 2024, CCLA joined a call by civil society organizations, academics and experts…
May 8, 2024

Supreme Court underscores importance of judicial independence in R. v. Edwards et al.

The Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in R. v. Edwards et al. affirms the constitutional…
May 6, 2024

Ontario Superior Court Affirms Exceptional Test to Hide Officer Names in Police Accountability Lawsuits

TORONTO — The Ontario Superior Court has rejected an exceptional request by the Peel Regional…
April 29, 2024

CCLA Calls on Toronto Police Services Board to Act on Chief Demkiw’s Statement on Zameer Verdict

TORONTO — Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for The Canadian Civil Liberties Association made…
April 25, 2024

CCLA Intervening before Ontario Court of Appeal to Oppose Standardless Limitless Searches of Personal Electronic Devices at Border

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association will appear this week before the Court of Appeal for…
April 15, 2024

CCLA Intervening Before Ontario Superior Court to Oppose Keeping Officer Names Secret in Police Accountability Cases

TORONTO — The CCLA will appear today before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice as an…
April 9, 2024

CCLA intervening before Superior Court of Justice to ensure fair adjudication of police complaints

The CCLA will appear before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice as an intervenor in…
April 2, 2024

CCLA Argues Before the Quebec Court of Appeal in Landmark Racial Profiling Case

MONTREAL — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association will appear before the Court of Appeal of Quebec…
March 5, 2024

CCLA releases major report on bail system in Canada

CCLA is releasing its latest report on the bail system in Canada today, Still Failing:…
February 26, 2024

CCLA intervening in major case on police background checks at Court of Appeal for Ontario

The Court of Appeal for Ontario has granted leave to intervene to the CCLA in…
February 15, 2024

CCLA Intervenes in R. v. Archambault

TORONTO — Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties…
February 14, 2024

CTV News: More than 80% of inmates in Ontario jails last year were legally innocent, awaiting trial: data

“We at CCLA, like others, we care about public safety,” Rahim said."We just want to…
January 30, 2024

CCLA and QPLC Jointly Participating in Baker Inquest

TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Queen’s Prison Law Clinic are jointly participating…
January 29, 2024

CCLA Before the Supreme Court in CBC v. R to Oppose ‘Secret Trials’

TORONTO — The CCLA will appear before the Supreme Court of Canada in Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, et…
December 12, 2023

State Accountability for Unconstitutional Legislation: CCLA intervening before Supreme Court in AGC v. Power

TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is appearing as an intervenor before the Supreme Court of…
December 7, 2023

CCLA Commends Senate for Passing Bill C-48 Amendments, Urges House of Commons Support

TORONTO — Following the Senate’s passage of Bill C-48 on bail reform, Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal…
November 29, 2023

Protecting Your Rights in Court – CCLA granted leave to intervene in R. v. Archambault before Supreme Court of Canada

In September 2019, federal legislation (Bill C-75) came into force limiting the availability of preliminary…
November 24, 2023

CCLA Proposed Amendment to Bill C-48 Adopted by Senate Committee

TORONTO — Following the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs’ adoption of amendments to Bill…
October 18, 2023

Protecting Judicial Independence – CCLA Intervention in R. v. Edwards et al. at Supreme Court of Canada

The CCLA will appear as an intervenor before the Supreme Court of Canada in R.…
October 12, 2023

CCLA Remarks to Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs – Bill C-48 (restricting bail)

On October 4, 2023, Shakir Rahim (Director of the Criminal Justice Program) testified before the…
October 6, 2023

CCLA Proposes Key Amendment on Bill C-48

TORONTO — In advance of his testimony before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Shakir…
October 4, 2023

CCLA Urges Senate to Exercise Sober Second Thought on Bill C-48 Restricting Bail

TORONTO — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association delivered its submission to the Senate Committee on Legal…
September 28, 2023

CCLA Alarmed that House of Commons Will Not Hold Committee Hearings on Bill C-48

TORONTO — Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…
September 19, 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

Supreme Court clarifies role of court-appointed lawyers (amicus) for unrepresented accused persons

On July 28, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in R. v.…
August 17, 2023

CBC: Arctic Bay residents raise concerns after RCMP search mail

Shakir Rahim, a lawyer and director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association's criminal justice program,…
August 11, 2023

Newstalk 1010: Ontario police groups, legal advocates call for different approaches to proposed bail reform

Shakir Rahim, Criminal Justice Program Director, appeared on Newstalk 1010 to discuss proposed bail reform.
August 1, 2023

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

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

The Hill Times: National Police Federation, police chiefs association favour bail reform bill, but advocacy groups wary of bail denial as ‘red herring’

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the John Howard Society are wary of Bill C-48,…
July 24, 2023

Civil Society Groups Demand Bail Reform Changes, Canada an ‘International Embarassment’

OTTAWA — The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association…
July 10, 2023

Supreme Court endorses high threshold to dismiss abuse of process applications

On April 28, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in R. v.…
June 15, 2023

CCLA and civil society concerned about flawed RCMP and CBSA oversight legislation

While Bill C-20 is a crucial measure to ensure greater accountability of the Canada Border…
June 13, 2023

Toronto.com: Fix Canada’s ‘broken’ bail system by giving more people bail, and more supports, some Toronto experts say

“The denial of bail should not be seen as the solution to public safety risks”…
June 1, 2023

The Maple: Tightened Bail Restrictions Unlikely To Curb Violent Crime, Experts Warn

In January, the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS) and the Canadian Civil Liberties…
May 25, 2023

The Globe and Mail: The flip side of bail reform in Canada

But as we said earlier this week, an equally important issue – one that politicians…
May 23, 2023

CBC: Justice minister says federal government could not go much further on bail reform

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association said, "We believe that every person in Canada deserves to…
May 21, 2023

CP24: CCLA Says Bill C-48 Will Not Make Public Safer

Shakir Rahim appeared on CP24 to discuss his concerns with Bill C-48 and how it…
May 17, 2023

CCLA Reacts to Bill C-48

TORONTO — Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), reacted…
May 17, 2023

CCLA Reacts to R v McColman Decision

OTTAWA — Shakir Rahim, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA),…
March 27, 2023

Court agrees with CCLA that police background checks require oversight

On February 27, 2023, the Divisional Court in Ontario released its decision in Khorsand v.…
March 9, 2023

The Agenda: Is Ontario’s Police Watchdog Effective?

It's never good news when we learn that the Special Investigations Unit – the SIU…
March 3, 2023

CBC: Court delays not just a New Brunswick problem: civil liberties lawyer

Shakir Rahim, a lawyer and director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association's criminal justice program,…
March 1, 2023

Police-involved deaths on the rise across Canada

CCLA welcomes the launch of a publicly accessible online database tracking police-involved deaths across Canada.…
February 23, 2023

Press Release: Police-involved deaths on the rise across Canada

Publicly accessible living online database tracking police-involved deaths launched Database website: https://trackinginjustice.ca/ Ottawa, Ontario –…
February 23, 2023

Supreme Court Dodges Key Issue in R. v. McGregor

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

Responding to Recent Calls for Bail Reform

How does Canada's bail system operate? Are we doing a good job protecting public safety?…
February 2, 2023

CCLA Demands Release of Death in Custody Videotapes

MONTREAL — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is demanding the release of all video footage…
January 31, 2023

Supreme Court Maintains Importance of Proportionality in Criminal Sentencing

The CCLA welcomes the Supreme Court of Canada’s decisions in R v. Hills and R.…
January 27, 2023

New Report Released: Ontario Deaths in Custody on the Rise 

Despite a declining provincial custody population, deaths in custody in Ontario are increasing at an…
December 20, 2022

The Globe and Mail: B.C. bail policy change raises Charter concerns

After news of the bill's repeal, Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, the executive director and general counsel…
November 24, 2022

A Victory at the Supreme Court for Evidence-Based Criminal Law

On October 28 the Supreme Court released its decision in R. v. Ndhlovu. The decision…
October 28, 2022

The Guardian: Canada court rules random traffic stops are racist and unconstitutional

A Canadian court has ruled that random traffic stops violate the country’s charter, striking down…
October 26, 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

Disappointing Supreme Court decision on ‘voluntary’ statements to the police

On October 14, 2022, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in R v…
October 14, 2022

CTV News: Denying bail to reduce B.C. crime a ‘dangerous’ proposition: Canadian Civil Liberties Association

The way crime and the bail system are being talked about in B.C is being…
October 13, 2022

CCLA at the Supreme Court to ensure meaningful adjudication of Charter claims

The CCLA is at the Supreme Court of Canada today arguing that courts should not…
October 4, 2022

No, Longer Prison Sentences do not Reduce Crime

Over 100 criminologists, social scientists, legal academics and civil society organizations have signed a letter…
September 16, 2022

Groups: Canada must end “extreme”, prolonged solitary confinement

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association, John Howard Society Canada, the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry…
August 30, 2022

CCLA and Others Renew Calls to Limit Dry Cell Use – An “Extreme” Form of Solitary Confinement

Earlier this summer the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and a number of other groups urged…
August 30, 2022

Death in Vancouver highlights lethality of “less lethal” weapons

On Monday morning Chris Amyotte, a 42-year-old father of seven from Winnipeg and member of…
August 25, 2022

Human Rights Tribunal Finds Police DNA Sweep was Discriminatory

Earlier this week the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal ruled that the Ontario Provincial Police (“OPP”)…
August 23, 2022

CCLA Intervening in Challenge to Sex Work Laws

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

CCLA argues against expanded police detention powers at Supreme Court

CCLA is intervening in a case before the Supreme Court to argue that the police…
August 10, 2022

La lutte contre le profilage racial se poursuit devant les tribunaux et dans les communautés

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE LA LUTTE CONTRE LE PROFILAGE RACIAL SE POURSUIT DEVANT LES TRIBUNAUX ET…
July 7, 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

Canadian Civil Liberties Association launches constitutional challenge to Ontario’s strip search law

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and a woman with personal experience have launched a major…
June 20, 2022

Black Legal Action Centre & Canadian Civil Liberties Association React to TPS Report

Today, the Prison Pandemic Papers were launched online, making available previously unpublished government records.
June 15, 2022

Trial Begins in Major Constitutional Challenge Targeting Racial Profiling

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is joining with a diverse group of civil society…
May 30, 2022

Applying the Charter Outside of Canada

Does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms apply to the actions of law enforcement…
May 16, 2022

SCC Rules on Constitutionality of Post-Arrest Searches of Houses

On Friday April 8 the Supreme Court released its ruling in R v Stairs, a…
April 12, 2022

CCLA Argues Against Discriminatory, Overly Punitive Criminal Code Provisions at the Supreme Court

Many parts of our criminal law sweep too many people into punitive regimes, creating adverse…
March 29, 2022

CCLA Argues for Basic Human Dignity as Fundamental Value in Criminal-Penal System Before the Supreme Court

Eliminating all hope of release by revisiting a person's incarceration in light of personal change…
March 29, 2022

Upholding the Right to be Free From Cruel and Unusual Punishment at the Supreme Court

CCLA appears before the Supreme Court of Canada in two cases, R v Hills and…
March 22, 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

Quebec Organizations Join the Call for Federal Criminal Record Reform

The Fresh Start Coalition, which includes the CCLA, announced today that several leading Quebec organisations…
February 22, 2022

Protecting the Right to Silence and Ensuring Meaningful Remedies When Police Violate the Charter

CCLA is appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada to reinforce the limits of state…
February 14, 2022

Standing up for informational privacy and evidence-based criminal law

This week, CCLA is appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada to defend robust protection…
February 10, 2022

CCLA Launches Latest Tool to Combat Carding & Racial Profiling

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) today released their next salvo in the fight against…
December 13, 2021

CCLA joins over 60 civil society organizations to call for criminal record reform

On November 17, the CCLA joined with dozens of other organizations to urge the federal…
November 17, 2021

CCLA Pushes for a Strong, Independent Check Against Wrongful Convictions

David Milgaard and Thomas Sophonow are just two of the dozens of people who our…
August 22, 2021

CCLA Intervenes in Court Challenge Against Racial Profiling

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is intervening in a constitutional challenge before the Superior Court…
July 20, 2021

Coalition Pens Open Letter to CSC, Renews Calls to End Prolonged Solitary Confinement

In June 2021, the Correctional Service of Canada (“CSC”) invited dozens of community organizations to…
July 6, 2021

CCLA to Appear Before Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario in Police Background Checks Case

Thairu Taban and Josslyn Mounsey were hired by Metrolinx as Transit Safety Communications Operators. They…
June 29, 2021

CCLA to Appear Before the Supreme Court in Police Search and Seizure Case

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has been granted leave to intervene in the upcoming…
June 11, 2021

CCLA on Ontario’s Proposed Changes to Regulations Governing Solitary Confinement

On June 4, 2021, the CCLA made submissions to the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor…
June 9, 2021

CCLA Criminal Record Survey

Do you have a criminal record or police record? Have you tried to get a…
May 31, 2021

CCLA’s Submissions on Bill 251

On May 13, 2021, the CCLA provided written submissions on Ontario’s Bill 251, the Combating…
May 20, 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

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

Ontario Government’s Loss in the Court of Appeal is a Victory for Accountability

An Ontario Court of Appeal decision has handed a victory to advocates of the rule…
April 1, 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 Applies to Intervene at Supreme Court of Canada in Sentencing Process Cases

On May 18, pro bono counsel representing the CCLA appeared before the Supreme Court of…
March 12, 2021

CCLA and Partners Notch New Legal Win in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health has rescinded her February 8th Class Order targeting individuals…
March 12, 2021
Commuter reading the paper while waiting for a train

Race and Criminal Injustice Report: Q and A by CCLA Special Advisor, Anti-Black Racism, Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

CCLA Special Advisor on Anti-Black Racism, Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, recently sat down for a Q+A…
March 10, 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

Open Letter to Federal Leaders: Do not Expand Anti-Terrorism Laws in Name of Anti-Racism

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
February 22, 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

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

Rethinking Community Safety

A Step Forward for Toronto
January 12, 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 Partners on Report Urging Toronto to Detask Police

A new report released this morning is urging the City of Toronto to shift resources…
January 4, 2021

Justice Vs. Bail: Canada’s Broken Criminal Justice System

We talk to Dr. Jane Sprott and James Fauvelle. Dr. Sprott is a professor in…
December 30, 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

Justice Vs. Solitary Confinement: Torture in Canadian Prisons

Justice Vs. looks at how solitary confinement is used within the Canadian criminal justice system,…
November 30, 2020

CBSA Oversight and Ebrahim Toure

We renew our calls for the establishment of an independent, civilian-led oversight commission with a…
November 26, 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 Victory for Justice and Equality: SCC Finds Ontario Law Discriminates Based on Mental Disability

In a strong decision released today, the Supreme Court of Canada has decided that Ontario’s…
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

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

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

Montreal makes history to promote transparency and protect privacy.

You probably missed the landmark decision by a major Canadian law-maker this week, striking a…
September 24, 2020

Montreal Surveillance Tech Moratorium Presser

CCLA urges Montréal City council to protect their constituents from identity and personal data theft.
September 18, 2020

Montreal Councillor Rotrand’s Initiative to Mandate Accountability & Transparency

We support Councillor Rotrand's initiative to mandate public accountability and transparency for surveillance technologies purchased,…
September 17, 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

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

Letter to Bill Blair

Subject: Ban on use of facial recognition surveillance by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
July 8, 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

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

CCLA to Winnipeg Police: Police, and Target Practice in Our Neighbourhoods

We have been contacted by Gabriela Aguero, a local resident who was understandably panicked by…
June 3, 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

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

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

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

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

CCLA to Attorney General: Emergency Management of the Justice Sector Now Needed

In particular, I am writing about three matters: emergency funding of provincial legal aid services;…
March 22, 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

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

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

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

Victory at The Supreme Court: A Fight for Everyone’s Right to Privacy and Equality (R v. Le)

Victory! Today, the Supreme Court rendered a monumental decision recognizing that police carding in a…
May 31, 2019

CCLA at the Supreme Court: The Worst Carding Case in Canadian History?

On Friday May 31st, the Supreme Court of Canada is going to release its decision…
May 30, 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

Manitoba Homicide Stats Generating More Heat Than Light

Now what?  It’s darkest before the dawn, to be sure, but what does Winnipeg or…
May 8, 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: What Happens When the Police Arrest You for a Non-Existent Offence?

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

Sex Offender Registries That Discriminate Against Those With Mental Illness Offend Charter Equality Guarantee

Ontario’s highest court handed advocates a significant victory today, finding that the sex offender registration…
April 4, 2019

CCLA at the Supreme Court: A Momentous Bail Decision for Automatic Reviews of Detention

In R. v. Myers, the Supreme Court was tasked with interpreting a somewhat obscure Criminal…
March 29, 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

CCLA to Ottawa: Call an SCC Reference

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

No Remedy and No Right – SCC Strikes a Double Blow

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

Being in a wheelchair is no reason for being held in solitary

Gregory Allen was placed in solitary confinement because he is in a wheelchair. He was held in…
February 7, 2019

CCLA at the Supreme Court: Does a Charter violation require a remedy?

Mr. Bird doing too much bird is the issue before the Supreme Court of Canada…
February 6, 2019

BC Court of Appeal Strikes Down Another Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Just two months after declaring the mandatory minimum sentence for possession of child pornography unconstitutional…
January 23, 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

WHAMMY! Supreme Court of Canada Strikes Down Canada’s Ugliest Populist Criminal Law

It’s not everyday that civil libertarians hit a home run in the Supreme Court of…
December 14, 2018

Blowing the Whistle on Saskatoon’s Proposed Rules for Rideshares and Taxis

This morning we wrote to Saskatoon’s Mayor and City Council to share our concerns about…
December 14, 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

Police and Pot: Let Them Smoke, Vape, and – Yes – Eat Cake (or Brownies!) Too

Police leaders are violating the civil liberties of their own ranks and perpetuating a culture…
December 7, 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

‘This Time We Really Mean It’ Won’t Cut It for Bail Reform

Fixing the broken law of bail cannot happen without some belated action by legislators meeting…
October 29, 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

10 things that will still be a crime after cannabis is legalized

The cannabis industry is being legalized – but there are still plenty of laws that…
October 16, 2018

Bill C-75: Right Goals, Wrong Tools

Over the next few weeks, witnesses will gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to share…
September 25, 2018

CCLA Urges Toronto to Delay Purchase of Gunshot-Location Technology ShotSpotter

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has serious concerns regarding the impact of new police surveillance…
July 23, 2018

We Need Better De-Escalation and Non-Escalation Responses to People in Crisis

On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, officers from the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) tasered a…
July 19, 2018

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

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

R v Wong: Guilty Pleas Must Be Voluntary, Unequivocal, and Informed

Today, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a decision in R v Wong holding that an accused…
May 25, 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

Bill C45: Re-Criminalizing Cannabis

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
April 18, 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

Ontario’s Policing Reform Legislation Can Still be Improved

The Canadian Civilian Liberties Association has long advocated for policing reform in Ontario. For decades,…
March 2, 2018

CCLA Addresses Committee on Impaired Driving Laws (Bill C-46)

On September 18, 2017, CCLA Director of Public Safety, Rob De Luca, made submissions on…
March 1, 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

G20 Civil Case Against Toronto Police Board Begins Today

This week, trial begins in a long-awaited civil case against Toronto Polices Services for its…
February 5, 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 Announcement: Coalition Calls for Implementation of Loku Inquest Recommendations

The tragic shooting death of Andrew Loku should never have occurred. It took place within…
October 3, 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

CCLA Concerned by Coroner’s Report Findings of Soleiman Faqiri’s Death

The CCLA is greatly troubled by findings of the Coroner’s report concerning the death of…
July 21, 2017

Toronto Star Op-Ed Omar Khadr

The following is a re-print of an op-ed from the Toronto Star by Adriel Weaver…
July 6, 2017

International Women’s Day: Highlighting Issues of Indigenous Women in Prison System

On this International Women’s Day, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association recognizes the many women in…
March 8, 2017

Drug Recognition Expert’s Opinions Shouldn’t Be Taken As Incontrovertible Evidence

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
February 23, 2017

Senior Police Officer Gets Light Sentence For G20 Misconduct

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) will challenge the Government of Nova Scotia’s exceptionally broad injunction limiting…
June 15, 2016

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

Canada To Join Critical Anti-Torture Protocol

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