The Democracy Fund defends Chad Briand, a Charter auditor, criminally charged after filming outside a police station.
TORONTO— The Democracy Fund (TDF) has taken up the defence of Chad Briand, a Toronto resident and Charter auditor, who faces ongoing criminal charges after filming outside a police station in February 2025.
Briand was peacefully recording on public property when he was approached by officers, questioned, and subsequently arrested. He was detained and charged with obstructing a peace officer under Section 129 of the Criminal Code. In July 2025, he was charged again with criminal harassment under Section 264 for an alleged social media post regarding the arresting officer.
Video footage of the incident, which has attracted public attention, can be viewed via the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiumgOZ8nGg&t=4s
Seeking legal support, Briand contacted TDF. On August 18, 2025, TDF lawyers appeared in court and were noted as counsel of record. The charges against Briand remain ongoing, with TDF preparing to conduct a Crown pretrial in due course to defend his rights.
Adam Blake-Gallipeau, Senior Litigation Counsel at TDF, commented, “Filming in public, without engaging in unlawful activity, is not a crime. We are committed to defending Mr. Briand’s Charter-protected rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law.”
Briand expressed gratitude, stating, “I’m thankful for TDF’s support as I fight these charges and stand up for my rights.”
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.