Negotiations bring a six-month battle to an end and deliver justice for a vulnerable religious community.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund (TDF) has secured a pivotal victory for Ontario’s Amish community, with the Crown withdrawing all Quarantine Act tickets against a group of Grey County Amish clients. The decision to withdraw concludes nearly six months of legal efforts, culminating in successful negotiations between TDF lawyers and Crown prosecutors. Withdrawing the tickets in Lambton County Court, the Crown cited “no reasonable prospect of conviction." Senior Litigation Counsel Adam Blake-Gallipeau represented the Amish families in court during the withdrawal.
The Amish rely on horse-and-buggy travel and lack familiarity with modern legal systems. After crossing the border during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were hit with thousands of dollars in Quarantine Act fines tied to the ArriveCan app and PCR testing.
Among the clients are families with sick and disabled children. These families rely on traditional farming and often pass their property to descendants - something that was threatened by liens registered against their property after the fines went unpaid — a threat now alleviated by this win. Due to TDF’s advocacy, their cases were reopened in early February, paving the way for today’s resolution.
“This is a victory for fairness,” said Blake-Gallipeau. “The Crown’s withdrawal is significant. These tickets should have never endangered the lives and land of a peaceful religious minority. We’re proud to deliver justice to these families. The Elders in the Amish community have acknowledged and greatly appreciate the support from TDF donors and the wider Canadian community.”
Though a milestone, TDF’s work continues for other Amish clients facing similar charges and appeals. The organization remains resolute in defending Canadians’ constitutional rights against overreach, with public support essential to this ongoing fight.
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.