SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the City of Sherbrooke has withdrawn a ticket issued to local resident Brian Jenkins in 2025 for peacefully displaying signs opposing abortion during the annual “40 Days for Life” campaign. However, police ticketed Mr. Jenkins again for the same activity on October 3, 2026. Both tickets rely on a municipal bylaw banning “sandwich boards” used for commercial advertising, even though Mr. Jenkins was expressing his personal views, not promoting a business.
The first ticket was withdrawn on September 30, 2026, but the City neglected to notify Mr. Jenkins’ lawyer, Mr. Olivier Séguin, whose work on the case is funded by the Justice Centre. Unaware of the withdrawal, Mr. Séguin wrote to the City’s prosecutor on October 8, 2026, requesting prompt proceedings concerning both tickets. He explained that prolonged uncertainty about enforcement interfered with Mr. Jenkins’ peaceful expression and advised that constitutional arguments would be raised at trial.
The withdrawal is a welcome outcome for Mr. Jenkins, but no court has ruled on the application of the bylaw to his peaceful expression. The new ticket leaves unresolved the concern that police are using a commercial advertising regulation to restrict participation in public debate.
“The City withdrew one ticket without notifying counsel, while police issued another for the same peaceful activity,” said constitutional lawyer Olivier Séguin. “Canadians should not have to guess whether expressing their convictions will bring another prosecution. Fair process requires clear communication, consistent enforcement, and respect for constitutional freedoms. A bylaw governing commercial advertising should not be used to silence peaceful expression.”
Mr. Séguin is seeking a prompt hearing on the second ticket, where he intends to challenge its use to restrict Mr. Jenkins’ constitutional freedoms.
The Justice Centre is Canada’s leading civil liberties organization defending 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.
