Two TDF clients faced $13,396 in fines upon return to Canada.
TORONTO: Our clients are a young couple navigating the challenges of parenthood with a new baby while grappling with financial strain. Like many Canadians during the pandemic, they struggled to secure employment amidst regulatory mandates.
Compounding their difficulties, upon return to Canada after a trip abroad, they were confronted with over $13,000 in fines for alleged non-compliance with the ArriveCan app and related regulations.
The Democracy Fund (TDF) negotiated with the Crown over several weeks and was recently advised that the Crown has decided to stay the ticket.
Adam Blake-Gallipeau, counsel with TDF, expressed satisfaction: "In our view, the potential fines are disproportionate and unjust. We urge Crown offices to reconsider the pursuit of these cases and question the societal benefit of allocating precious court resources towards prosecuting marginalized families from racialized communities who have been issued these tickets."
Reacting to the news, the client said, "We are beyond belief, relieved and grateful for all the help Adam and TDF have provided us. Especially in today's economy and after losing our careers to the discriminatory vaccine mandate, not having to pay these fines that total over $13,000 is a huge blessing for our family with two young children."
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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. TDF supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by the government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.