Justice Centre calls for repeal of gag law that tramples Charter freedoms and violates citizens’ privacy
The Justice Centre today released a new policy paper calling for changes to Alberta’s Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act (“EFCDA”). This paper, “Defending Democratic Discourse: Repealing the Unconstitutional Provisions of the Elections Finance and Contributions Disclosure Act,” provides recommendations on how to amend the EFCDA so as to ensure it does not violate Charter-protected freedom of expression. In 2016, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta amended the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act to include year-round (not limited to...
Read MoreConstitutional challenge to Alberta municipal bylaw prohibiting trailer billboard signs
The Justice Centre has filed a court application at the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta on behalf of two individuals and a business challenging a bylaw of the Municipal District of Foothills. While permitting other large, highly visible signage that can readily be seen by drivers, the bylaw prohibits trailer billboard signs on the sides of highways, even when placed on private property. The Applicant Spot Ads Inc. is an Alberta corporation in the business of leasing advertising space on the sides of transport truck trailers placed on private property adjacent to...
Read MoreJustice Centre submits proposal for legislation to protect free speech on campus
The Justice Centre today expressed support for the Alberta Government’s pledge to hold public universities responsible for protecting free expression on campus. To support this pledge, the Justice Centre has submitted a policy paper to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. The paper includes specific suggestions on amending the Post-Secondary Learning Act, to optimize the protection of expression, discussion and debate on campus. This draft legislation, “Empowering Free Inquiry: An Act to Protect Free Expression at Alberta’s Public Colleges and Universities,”...
Read MoreCourt divided on Bill 24 injunction ruling
The Justice Centre is reviewing the Alberta Court of Appeal ruling upholding a lower court ruling that dismissed that application for an interim injunction that would stay the operation of Alberta’s Bill 24 pending a ruling in regards to its constitutionality. In dissent, Justice McDonald stated that he would enjoin the Government of Alberta from withholding or reducing funding or de-accrediting the schools in question. On account of this dissent, a right of appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada exists. The decision of the Alberta Court of Appeal addresses only the...
Read More‘GRABHER’ License Plate Hearing Wednesday, April 24 in Halifax
The Justice Centre will be in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia on Wednesday April 24 to defend Dartmouth pensioner Lorne Grabher in his legal bid to reinstate his personalized license plate depicting his surname. The long-awaited hearing of Lorne Grabher v Nova Scotia Registrar of Motor Vehicles commences at 10:00 a.m. at the Law Courts of Nova Scotia, 1815 Lower Water Street, Halifax. The hearing is expected to run until Friday, April 26 and is open to the public. Mr. Grabher posing with plate Lorne Grabher first purchased the personalized “GRABHER” license plate as a...
Read MoreIndigenous man challenges Manitoba Public Insurance decision to revoke his personalized “NDN CAR” license plate
Photo credit APTN The Justice Centre today announced that it will represent Bruce Spence, a Nehiyaw Indian living in Winnipeg, as he challenges the decision of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to revoke his personalized “NDN CAR” license plate because it “may be considered offensive.” Mr. Spence is a producer with Aboriginal People’s Television Network. He purchased the personalized plate about seven years ago. He chose the inscription on the plate as a playful reference to the popular 1992 folk-rock song “Indian Cars” by Indigenous musician Keith Secola. The music...
Read MoreLatest Updates
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- May 13, 2019
Justice Centre calls for repeal of gag law that tramples Charter freedoms and violates citizens’ privacy - May 13, 2019 Constitutional challenge to Alberta municipal bylaw prohibiting trailer billboard signs
- May 7, 2019 Justice Centre submits proposal for legislation to protect free speech on campus
- April 30, 2019 Court divided on Bill 24 injunction ruling