Charges have been withdrawn against St. Catharines resident for gathering in public in 2021.
TORONTO: Terri Haydar, a retired correctional officer, was charged for attending a peaceful protest in April 2021 under COVID-19 legal restrictions. With The Democracy Fund's (TDF) legal help, she has now had all charges withdrawn.
The charges stemmed from an alleged violation of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The rarely-used statute was used by the government to prevent gatherings during COVID-19 lockdowns. Many lawyers contended that the EMCPA could not be used to override basic rights outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
TDF Lawyers maintained that Haydar's case should not be pursued due to a lack of public interest. Last week, the Crown agreed. This decision marks a significant step forward for civil liberties during a period of contentious and heavy-handed pandemic-related laws.
Mrs. Haydar made a generous donation to a local women's shelter and the Crown agreed to drop the matter.
“We’re pleased to see justice served for Mrs. Haydar, who was simply exercising her right to freely assemble,” said Adam Blake-Gallipeau, senior litigation counsel with TDF. “This case exemplifies the need for a balanced approach to pandemic-related charges, especially when individuals are conscientiously engaged in peaceful protest - an enshrined right in any free society.”
TDF Lawyers remain committed to defending the civil rights of Canadians.
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.