TORONTO, ON: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that lawyers funded by the Justice Centre will appear before the Ontario Labour Relations Board on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for the next hearing in the case of Ontario teachers Matt and Nicole Alexander.
The Alexanders were terminated by the Renfrew County District School Board in October 2023 after declining to “celebrate and affirm” LGBTQ issues that conflicted with their sincerely held Christian beliefs. The couple alleges that the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario failed in its duty of fair representation by refusing to properly defend their Charter freedoms.
Constitutional lawyer Darren Leung said the upcoming hearing represents another important step in determining whether unions can disregard the fundamental freedoms of members whose beliefs fall outside prevailing ideological expectations.
“Canadians should not lose their livelihoods or professional standing simply because they hold and express sincerely held religious beliefs,” said Mr. Leung. “This case raises important questions about whether unions and public institutions will meaningfully protect the Charter freedoms of employees with traditional viewpoints.”
The matter is proceeding before the Ontario Labour Relations Board following earlier rulings allowing the Alexanders’ complaint against their union to move forward.
A decision on whether the Alexanders will be reinstated to their teaching positions is not expected immediately.
The Justice Centre is Canada’s leading civil liberties organization fighting for Charter rights and freedoms in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion. Founded in 2010, the Justice Centre funds lawyers across Canada, relies entirely on voluntary donations to carry out its mission, and issues official tax receipts to donors.
