AMOS, QC: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms draws attention to the four-day trial for Stéphanie Pépin, who was charged with violating the Public Health Act after protesting Covid curfew mandates.

A province-wide curfew was mandated by the Government of Québec, taking effect on January 8, 2021. The curfew prohibited the residents of Québec from leaving their homes between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The Public Health Act granted police officers power to fine persons caught violating the curfew with fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.

Stéphanie Pépin and others gathered to demonstrate their opposition to the curfew at 9:00 p.m. on January 9, 2021. She was arrested and charged with violating the Public Health Act.

Ms. Pépin has launched a constitutional challenge to defend herself against these charges, arguing that the relevant sections of the Public Health Act are unjustified violations of her constitutional freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

Luke Neilson, Director of Communications for the Justice Centre, stated, “The Covid mandates enforced by the Government of Québec had damaging effects on liberty, expression, and assembly. Every Canadian should feel free to participate in peaceful political demonstrations. In this trial, we are defending the right of citizens to challenge their governments and to participate effectively in their own democracy.”