Reports

This report explains the fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Canadian Charter and outlines the Justice Centre’s position that many government responses to Covid imposed unprecedented restrictions on those freedoms. It argues that governments may only limit Charter rights when the limits are demonstrably justified, minimally impairing, and supported by evidence, and contends that lockdowns, mandates, and related measures often failed to meet this standard. The report provides an overview of constitutional principles, explains how the Charter operates, and answers common questions about employment, business closures, policing, masks, and travel restrictions, while emphasizing the Justice Centre’s role as a donor-funded, non-partisan organization that provides legal assistance to Canadians facing alleged violations of their fundamental freedoms.