The Democracy Fund has filed court documents to support the Amish community in Quarantine Act challenges.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund (TDF) lawyers filed reopening applications and supporting affidavits in Niagara Provincial Court this week on behalf of two new Amish clients, aiming to set aside convictions related to Quarantine Act violations. Though originally from an Ontario Amish community, these Amish clients had relocated to the United States after marriage, but took legal action in Ontario to clear their names.
Many members of the Amish community were ticketed and fined during the COVID-19 pandemic for alleged non-compliance with the ArriveCan app, a requirement that was particularly burdensome due to their faith-based avoidance of modern technology. Many of these individuals now face crippling liens on their properties threatening their farms and traditional way of life. TDF is fighting to prevent the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
By filing these court documents, TDF seeks to persuade the court to reopen these convictions, with the ultimate goal of having the tickets stayed or withdrawn.
TDF Senior Litigation Counsel, Adam Blake-Gallipeau, commented: "The Amish community lives peacefully, guided by their religious convictions, which preclude the use of modern technology. It is unjust that they face severe financial penalties and property liens for minor regulatory issues, especially when their ability to access the legal system is constrained. We are dedicated to ensuring their rights are protected."
TDF is currently representing over 30 Amish clients across Ontario and is aware of additional communities facing similar challenges due to outstanding fines and liens.
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.