The Democracy Fund is assisting an Ontario Amish community with credit ratings due to COVID-era fines.
ONTARIO: During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Amish community were ticketed for allegedly failing to complete the ArriveCan app. Fines for each ticket were approximately $6,000, with many families receiving multiple tickets. Given their traditional religious lifestyle, which eschews modern amenities and relies on horse-drawn travel, the Amish faced significant obstacles in complying with onerous and confusing pandemic-related regulations. As a result, many were convicted without proper notice or fair trial. Fortunately, TDF lawyers intervened and successfully had many of these convictions set aside.
Despite these legal victories, affected Amish families continue to face challenges, including lingering liens, damaged credit ratings, and difficulties obtaining loans essential for maintaining their farms. TDF has now taken further action, securing court documents that certify no fines remain unpaid and no debts are owed to the government. Armed with these documents, TDF is working to help the Amish access the capital needed to sustain their farms and support their families.
The work continues, as TDF is committed to advocating for the Amish community, ensuring their rights are protected and their livelihoods restored.
“TDF will continue to advocate for the Amish against the severe and lasting financial harm inflicted by these tickets so that these families can maintain their traditional way of life,” said Adam Blake-Gallipeau, Senior Litigator at The Democracy Fund.
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.