Charges dropped against The Democracy Fund client after viral arrest at Ottawa protest.
OTTAWA: The Crown has withdrawn all criminal charges against William Dalton, who participated in the 1 Million March 4 Children in Ottawa in October 2023. Mr. Dalton was subjected to multiple Tasings after being subdued during the peaceful protest. He was initially charged with obstructing a peace officer and causing a disturbance. A video of the incident went viral.
Mr. Dalton joined the 1 Million March 4 Children to draw attention to recent significant changes in the public school curriculum.
The Democracy Fund (TDF) represented Mr. Dalton in discussions with the Crown and throughout numerous court appearances. Initially facing potential jail time, a consequence exacerbated by the manner in which he was handled by police, the Crown ultimately agreed to drop all charges following negotiations by TDF.
TDF lawyer Adam Blake-Gallipeau expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "Mr. Dalton exercised his Charter rights to peacefully assemble and express his views on current issues. We are pleased with the resolution."
To help and support Mr. Dalton and other Canadians like him, please consider making a tax-deductible donation on this page.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.