Lawyers at The Democracy Fund secure the reopening of more cases, request disclosure, and begin trial preparation for the Amish community.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund (TDF) proudly announces another milestone in its ongoing legal battle to defend the rights of the Amish community in Grey County, Ontario. TDF lawyers have successfully reopened another group of Quarantine Act tickets, including violations related to the ArriveCan app, for a fourth set of Amish clients.
Members of the Amish community in Grey County, Ontario, were convicted in absentia of various offences during the COVID-19 lockdowns. TDF is representing approximately 27 members of the community who are collectively facing $300,000 for allegedly failing to complete the ArriveCan app and other related violations.
Living in accordance with their deeply held religious beliefs, the Amish do not use modern conveniences, including electricity, making compliance with the digital ArriveCan app nearly impossible. Liens have been placed on their properties, posing a significant threat to their livelihoods and way of life.
TDF's legal team is now reviewing the disclosure materials provided by the Crown for this latest group, with court dates anticipated in the near future. Among those affected is a family that faced significant financial strain due to liens placed on their farm property for convictions related to alleged ArriveCan infractions. TDF has managed to reopen these cases, providing hope and a path toward removing or reducing these severe fines and threats of property seizure.
While progress has been made, the journey is far from over. TDF continues to fight for numerous Amish clients, seeking to have additional tickets reopened, liens removed, comprehensive disclosure examined, and trial dates established. For each ticket successfully contested, TDF's legal team is ready to go to trial to defend their clients' rights.
Adam Blake-Gallipeau, Senior Litigation Counsel at TDF, stated, "Our commitment to justice for these Amish families remains unwavering. In our view, pursuing someone for a $6000 ArriveCan ticket serves no public interest, particularly when it threatens the livelihoods of individuals from a minority religious community."
TDF is dedicated to upholding the constitutional rights of all Canadians and ensuring fair treatment under the law. Please consider donating to this cause, as the legal process demands both time and resources to achieve justice.
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 access-to-justice initiatives for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.