TDF lawyers will represent Sault Ste. Marie homeowner after City removes political sign from resident's property.
TDF lawyers are representing a homeowner in a dispute with the City of Sault Ste. Marie. The homeowner had displayed a small plywood sign on his property, painted with the words "F**K Trudeau" and "Freedom," until city officials visited the residence in March and removed it. In a letter, the City claimed that the sign required a permit. However, TDF maintains that the sign displays a personal, political message, and its removal violates the city’s sign by-law and may infringe upon the homeowner’s Charter rights.
Political signs have always been popular but have been increasingly used as a way for people to express their views. Citizens have displayed them to raise concerns about various issues, including pandemic mandates, government overreach, regional conflicts and opposition to politicians or policies.
TDF Litigation Director Mark Joseph stated, "Our position is that the sign was legal, required no permit, and constituted a political statement. The removal of the sign by the state appears, on its face, to be an infringement of our client’s Charter 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. TDF 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.