A decorated military veteran facing a $5,750 fine has ticket stayed after The Democracy Fund negotiates with the Crown.
TORONTO: Our client served for decades in the military as a specialist and missile crewman. He was wounded during his service, suffering from PTSD, severe anxiety, and physical and cognitive disabilities. His only source of income has been Canada Pension Plan (CPP), with which he rents a one-bedroom apartment.
During the height of the pandemic, while struggling with his numerous medical conditions, he travelled to the US to receive necessary medical treatment. He then obtained a rapid antigen test which he produced for border agents upon return to Canada. Border officials, however, chose to issue a $5,750 ticket to our client for crossing the border without a valid PCR test.
The Democracy Fund (TDF) negotiated with the Crown over several weeks and recently learned that the Crown has decided to stay the ticket. Adam Blake-Gallipeau, counsel with TDF, said, "TDF took the position that the client had a valid exemption to the PCR requirement, and that given his service to his country and his medical and financial condition, there was no public interest in pursuing this matter. Fortunately, it seems that we were able to convince the Crown of our view."
Reacting to the news, the client said, "I am so very grateful to The Democracy Fund for helping me during a very stressful time. I would have had to declare bankruptcy if I had been forced to pay this unjust fine."
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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 government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.