The Democracy Fund

🚨The application is now open for TDF's Religious Freedom Fellowship 2026-2027.  The Religious Freedom Fellowship is seeking an inaugural cohort of Canadians ages 18-35 who are committed to combating discrimination against Jews and Christians in Canada. Competitively selected fellows will engage in a yearlong program involving taking action to promote the freedom to live, work, and worship without fear. Fellows will complete a personally chosen action project, interact with each other and with inspiring guest speakers through online meetings, and receive a $5,000 stipend. Apply by the priority consideration deadline of April 1, 2026. religiousfreedomfellowship.ca

🚨UPDATE: Supreme Court appeal could redefine limits of federal emergency powers Government seeks to overturn rulings that deemed convoy-era measures unlawful and unconstitutional. OTTAWA — The federal government is seeking to reverse two lower-court decisions that found its 2022 invocation of the Emergencies Act during the Freedom Convoy protests to be unlawful, unreasonable, and a violation of core Charter rights by filing an application for leave to appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada. In January 2026, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld the 2024 Federal Court ruling, finding that the government lacked reasonable grounds to declare a national emergency under the Emergencies Act. Additionally, the court found that no credible basis existed for believing there was a "threat to the security of Canada" pursuant to the applicable CSIS Act definition. The courts ruled the invocation was outside the government’s legal authority, and measures such as warrantless bank account freezes and prohibitions on peaceful assembly violated protection against unreasonable search and seizure and free speech rights, respectively, under the Charter. Despite two consecutive losses, the federal government, on the last permissible day, filed its application with the Supreme Court. The government argues the lower courts applied flawed principles and insists the measures were necessary to restore order amid economic and border chaos. Mark Joseph, litigation director for The Democracy Fund (TDF), responded: "TDF acted for many protesters criminally charged for peacefully protesting during the Freedom Convoy. Both lower courts have now concluded that the government acted unreasonably when it declared a national emergency and that it infringed basic Charter rights by seizing property and banning peaceful protest. We're hopeful that the Supreme Court, should it grant leave, will reach similar conclusions." The Supreme Court grants leave in only a small fraction of applications. If the Supreme Court reverses the lower court rulings, it could set a dangerous precedent on emergency powers, executive discretion, and Charter limits. Read the full update here: thedemocracyfund.ca/supreme_court_…

Mark Carney‘s “new government“ is standing by Justin Trudeau‘s unconstitutional invocation of the Emergencies Act. He and Sean Fraser are appealing it to the Supreme Court. theglobeandmail.com/canada/article…

🚨The application is now open for TDF's Religious Freedom Fellowship 2026-2027.  The Religious Freedom Fellowship is seeking an inaugural cohort of Canadians ages 18-35 who are committed to combating discrimination against Jews and Christians in Canada. Competitively selected fellows will engage in a yearlong program involving taking action to promote the freedom to live, work, and worship without fear. Fellows will complete a personally chosen action project, interact with each other and with inspiring guest speakers through online meetings, and receive a $5,000 stipend. Apply by the priority consideration deadline of April 1, 2026. religiousfreedomfellowship.ca

🚨 TDF sounds alarm over imminent passage of Bill C-9 Proposed “Combatting Hate Act” expands the legal definition of hatred and removes key free expression safeguards in the Criminal Code. The House of Commons has closed debate on Bill C-9, the "Combatting Hate Act." The Bill expands and codifies the definition of "hatred," departing from the Supreme Court's strict requirement of "vilification and detestation." It removes the longstanding good faith religious speech protections for sincerely held religious opinions and expressions based on religious texts in the Criminal Code and eliminates the requirement for Attorney General consent before charging individuals with certain hate crime offences. The Bill also creates a new offence that applies when an underlying offence—even a non-criminal one—is motivated by hatred, potentially doubling the penalties for the underlying act. The Bill has faced opposition from civil liberties groups and religious organizations. TDF was invited to testify before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights and filed a brief outlining its serious misgivings. "Ironically, the government has moved to end debate on issues of public concern for a bill that would end debate on issues of public concern. The Bill empowers prosecutors to bring charges based on the merest suggestion that the impugned conduct is motivated by an ill-defined concept of "hatred," massively increasing potential jail time and legal jeopardy for defendants. In our experience, these types of offences tend to be laid against marginalized and working-class people rather than powerful elites and political insiders. However, all Canadians can expect greater digital censorship and increased online police surveillance if the Bill becomes law. We only have to look at the UK example, where police make approximately 12,000 annual arrests for online "hate incidents" under similar legislation." The Bill now moves to a vote at the justice committee. After that, it will proceed to the report stage and third reading before advancing to the Senate. TDF will continue to oppose the Bill and all attempts by the government to censor Canadians. Read the full update with links here: thedemocracyfund.ca/tdf_sounds_ala…

🚨 Toronto synagogue attacks could become deadly Three synagogues targeted in recent shootings as advocates warn weak responses risk emboldening further violence. TORONTO— Over the past week, gunmen have fired shots at three different synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Temple Emanu-El Synagogue was targeted and gunfire has damaged the building in which Jewish community members were celebrating a holiday just hours before the attack. The rabbi who was still on site after the evening's celebration even heard the gunshots. Toronto Police have reportedly identified "multiple shell casings" but not the suspect. Two other synagogues were attacked over the Jewish Sabbath with gunmen firing shots at the front doors of Shaarei Shomayim Congregation and Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT). These are significant and vibrant places of worship attended by hundreds of families. As these crimes designed to threaten and intimidate Jews receive international attention, the Toronto Police can barely bring themselves to acknowledge the antisemitic nature of the attacks. Initially described by Deputy Chief Frank Barredo as a random act of violence, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has since clarified the hateful nature of this act against the Jewish community. "Performative press conferences do not save lives. Canadian families deserve law enforcement that will prevent attacks and prosecute criminals," says Amanda Achtman, Director of TDF's Religious Freedom Program. Terrorists in Canada's largest city are now being emboldened by the predictably tepid response of those responsible for public safety. Despite Jews being a small minority of the population, 81% of religiously-motivated hate crimes in Toronto were perpetrated against Jews according to the latest reports. Achtman recalls, "I will always remember being at one of the two Toronto synagogues attacked this past weekend in 2018 when we got the news after Shabbat that 11 Jews had been massacred at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. That was the deadliest single attack on Jews in American history. A scheduled concert took place late that Saturday night during which a rabbi said, 'Some of you might have wondered whether this event might get cancelled in light of the devastating news. But, under no circumstances would we cancel our event because if we cancelled our celebrations every time there was a Jewish tragedy or an anniversary of a Jewish tragedy, then we wouldn’t have celebrations.'" While the Jewish community is resilient, all Canadians should be adamant about seeing Jewish institutions protected from violence, especially from these kinds of attacks that could obviously become deadly. TDF has launched the Religious Freedom Fellowship to seek an inaugural cohort of rising Canadian leaders (ages 18-35) committed to combating discrimination against Jews and Christians in Canada. To learn more about the fellowship program and to apply, visit ReligiousFreedomFellowship.ca Read the full update here: thedemocracyfund.ca/toronto_synago…

Thank you to @TDF_Can for their ongoing support of REALITY BASED WOMEN UNITE. For the 3rd year in a row, they've made a financial contribution to help us mount a successful event caWsbar is a volunteer, non-partisan org and we receive no government assistance. Would you like to help too? Visit: cawsbar.ca/donations

🚨 Arbitration victory for workers denied COVID-19 vaccine exemptions The Democracy Fund is encouraged by the labour arbitration victory for union members that were improperly denied COVID-19 vaccine exemption requests. During COVID-19 lockdowns many Canadian employers implemented vaccine mandates, forcing employees to choose between job loss or an unwanted COVID-19 vaccination. TDF lawyers met with many union members confronted with this dilemma, and explained their legal rights under human rights legislation and collective agreements. Many religious union members who opposed vaccination due to their sincerely held religious beliefs, filed religious exemption requests with their employers. However, these religious exemptions were often denied arbitrarily and superficially. Sometimes employers requested written proof of relevant spiritual doctrine from a religious objector. Sometimes employers summarily rejected claims of sincere religious belief. In 2022, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), on behalf of 7 unionized Air Canada pilots, brought grievances against Air Canada for improperly rejecting their vaccine exemption requests. After their religious exemption requests were denied, the pilots were placed on unpaid leaves of absence. The union members alleged workplace religious discrimination under their Collective Agreement and the Canadian Human Rights Act. A labour arbitrator has now ruled in favour of the pilots, as reported in Air Canada v. Air Line Pilots’ Association 2026 CanLII 16803 (CA LA). Arbitrator Hayes ruled that denying these religious exemption requests was improper and resulted in workplace discrimination contrary to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Collective Agreement. The arbitrator held that it was not appropriate for Air Canada to direct employees to justify religious exemptions with a "personalized, written, and dated explanation from your religious leader explaining the religious reasons why you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19." Arbitrator Hayes reiterated that the law requires an employer to assess an individual’s subjective religious beliefs rather than making an overly objective determination of whether those beliefs objectively conform to the mandates of the religion. TDF Litigation Director Mark Joseph said, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw employers in unionized workplaces demand that religious objectors provide written proof of the religious doctrine justifying their COVID-19 vaccination exemption. Many employers then either dismissed these exemptions summarily or ignored them. We maintained that this demand was legally improper. University officials made similar demands of university students. Though we assisted where possible, for many clients, the initial religious exemption denial meant choosing between losing employment or educational progress, followed by years of litigation, or abandoning religious principles and acquiescing to the vaccine mandate. Canadian society has yet to address this disgraceful, coercive conduct by employers, university administrators and authorities." Read the full update here: thedemocracyfund.ca/arbitration_vi…

🚨 TDF representing sketch artist David Wall after courtroom ejection Prominent Toronto artist David Wall removed while documenting open court proceedings, raising serious concerns about transparency and the open court principle. TORONTO— Lawyers for TDF are representing prominent Toronto courtroom sketch artist David Wall after he was wrongfully ejected from open court while sketching. David has been sketching Canadian courtroom scenes for over 24 years, documenting high-profile cases such as the Via Rail terror trial, a G20 police disciplinary hearing and the deportation proceedings for Holocaust denier Ernst Zundel. His work has been featured in galleries and news media across Canada. He has donated over 380 paintings and sketches to the Archives of Ontario. Recently, however, several troubling incidents have interfered with his ability to freely sketch courtroom proceedings. These incidents eventually escalated into a wrongful ejection. In April 2025, Mr. Wall was sketching in court when a court security officer interrogated him and told him to leave. After the presiding judge intervened, the officer wrongly forbade David from sketching him. In November 2025, while sketching in open court, Mr. Wall was approached by court security officers who told him it was 5 p.m, that only lawyers could stay and that he had to “pack up and go.” Mr. Wall refused to leave. Another officer then approached Mr. Wall. He advised that things “could get physical". Only through the intercession of the presiding judge was his ejection avoided. In December 2025, David was sketching in court when he was again told by an officer that he had to leave because Mr. Wall “had no business here and was not family or a witness in the case." This time, David was ejected from the courtroom. David's experience is not isolated: federal and provincial governments, administrative tribunals and courts have all acted to reduce public scrutiny of official conduct, most recently with the sealing of vaccine injury records by Health Canada. TDF lawyers have now written to the Ontario Court Services Division and the Ministry of the Attorney General for Ontario to demand an explanation and assurances that David will be allowed to sketch in open court. Litigation Director for TDF, Mark Joseph, stated: "The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed that the open court principle is crucial for liberal democracy. It is adjacent to the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press - both guaranteed by our Charter. The ability to observe and report on judicial proceedings is fundamental to the proper administration of justice: without it, Canadians have no direct knowledge about the fairness of the justice system. We're hopeful that the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Court Services Division will affirm our client's rights." Read the full update here: thedemocracyfund.ca/tdf_representi…

ICYMI: Applications are now open for our new Religious Freedom Fellowship! If you or someone you know might be a great fit, visit our website to learn more and apply: religiousfreedomfellowship.ca

🚨UPDATE: TDF calls for public report on Montreal church fire TDF sends letter to the Montreal Police and the Montreal Fire Department calling for a thorough investigation and report on Montreal church fire. MONTREAL— On February 23, a fire broke out at the historic St. Paul's Catholic Church in southwestern Montreal, which resulted in the evacuation of an adjacent seniors' home. The fire is the latest in a series of church burnings across Canada over the past several years. Investigators have treated many of these incidents as arson, with criminal charges filed in several cases. While the cause of the fire at St. Paul's Church is unknown and may, in fact, be accidental, TDF sent a letter to the Montreal Fire Department and the Montreal Police Services requesting a copy of the Fire Investigation Report prepared in the normal course by the Fire Department on the cause of the fire. TDF is also funding lawyers representing Ministerious Restauracion - the Montreal church recently fined $2,500 for holding a worship service with Sean Feucht. This church was also damaged after a smoke bomb attack arising out of the same event. TDF litigation director, Mark Joseph, said, "Over the past several years, Jews have suffered harassment and physical assaults while attending their synagogues and shuls. Christians have had their churches burned. Members of all religious communities should be able to attend their places of worship safely. Our letter puts the authorities on notice that the public expects a thorough investigation and report of this incident." View the letters and read the full update here: thedemocracyfund.ca/tdf_calls_for_…

Program Director Amanda Achtman joined Ezra Levant to discuss the launch of the Religious Freedom Fellowship. Learn more about the program or apply here: religiousfreedomfellowship.ca Watch the full interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=6Tr1_m…

Less than two weeks away and we're so excited to see you in Montreal and online! Hear from some of the most fearless speakers, writers and activists in the fight for women's sex-based protections today. Don't miss this! Have you got your ticket? Generously supported by @TDF_Can to help us make this happen! Tix & info in replies 👇

The Democracy Fund launches Religious Freedom Fellowship to protect religious liberty in Canada The program is designed to equip young Canadians to "defend and advance religious freedom in their communities." rebelne.ws/4qQyC7d

🚨 UPDATE: TDF launches Religious Freedom Fellowship The Democracy Fund launches Religious Freedom Fellowship to protect religious liberty in Canada. ONTARIO— The Democracy Fund (TDF) is proud to announce the launch of the Religious Freedom Fellowship, a new national program designed to equip young Canadians to defend and advance religious freedom in their communities. Religious freedom is fundamental to a free and flourishing society. But in Canada, the freedom to live, work, and worship freely and securely is under attack. Jews and Christians are largely responsible for advancing the principle of religious freedom in the West. However, the very communities that bequeathed this tradition are increasingly under threat in the countries that have most benefited from it. In recent years, we have seen the burning, vandalism, and desecration of numerous churches in Canada. Christians face threats to the charitable status of churches, ministries, and pro-life organizations. And there are consistently threats to the independence of faith-based institutions to provide care and services in accordance with Christian principles. Meanwhile, antisemitic incidents have skyrocketed with attacks on schools, synagogues, and Jewish businesses. There is inadequate protection for Jewish spaces, including public spaces such as universities and neighbourhoods. Antisemitic hate crimes and Christian persecution in Canada don’t just threaten Jews and Christians; they undermine the foundations of a free and prosperous society altogether. There isn’t enough being done. And many of the existing strategies are not working. That is why The Democracy Fund is launching the Religious Freedom Fellowship. Through this program, Canadians aged 18 to 35 will be selected to form a cohort that will reflect on the history and value of religious freedom through a series of webinars. They will also take up concrete projects of their own choosing and in their own cities to creatively tackle discrimination against Jews and Christians. Fellows will become part of a competitively selected cohort of engaged Canadians from across the country. While the program is conducted remotely, fellows will interact with each other and with inspiring guest speakers through virtual meetings. There is also a group forum throughout the year to build community and stay in touch on religious freedom issues in Canada. Religious Freedom Program Fellows will receive mentorship and direction in fulfilling their action project and will be the first to hear about additional opportunities. Those who successfully fulfill the program requirements will also receive a $5,000 stipend. “Religious freedom is not a niche issue,” said Program Director Amanda Achtman. “It is a foundational freedom that protects diversity, conscience, and the ability of Canadians to contribute to public life without compromising their beliefs. We are investing in young leaders who are ready to defend that freedom with clarity and courage.” Canadians committed to promoting the freedom to live, work, and worship without fear are invited to apply now. The deadline for priority consideration is April 1, 2026. Learn more and apply at: religiousfreedomfellowship.ca Read the full update or donate to our work here: thedemocracyfund.ca/tdf_launches_r…

🚨UPDATE: City seizes homeowner’s political sign a second time, violating homeowner's Charter rights The Democracy Fund argues Sault Ste. Marie violated constitutional free expression rights after bylaw officers, accompanied by police, twice removed small personal protest signs from private property. ONTARIO— In March 2025, a TDF client and Sault Ste. Marie homeowner displayed a small plywood sign on his property with the words "F**k Trudeau" and "Freedom." City officials visited the residence without invitation or permission and removed it. In a letter subsequently provided to the homeowner, the City claimed that the sign required a permit to comply with local bylaws. TDF lawyers contend that the sign displays a personal, political message, and its removal was arbitrary and in violation of the city’s own sign by-law. TDF lawyers are currently canvassing potential Charter challenges due to this apparent infringement. Following this incident, the homeowner displayed another small plywood sign on his property, this time with the statement "F**k Carney." Once again, the City sent agents, including by-law officers and workers, to remove the sign. This time agents were accompanied by several armed police officers. TDF lawyers sent a letter to the City stating that the removals were arbitrary, improper and an infringement of the homeowner's Charter right to free expression: the City's reply failed to address the issues and bordered on dismissive. TDF Litigation Director Mark Joseph stated, "As with the earlier sign, our position remains that personal political signs require no permit: it is political speech and, as such, pursuant to Supreme Court rulings, is granted the greatest amount of protection under the Charter. The removal of our client's political signs constitutes a gross infringement of his Charter rights. The legally unresponsive letter from the City betrays the weakness of its legal position on the matter." TDF and its client are considering all available legal options. Updates will follow. Read the full article with links here: thedemocracyfund.ca/city_seizes_ho…

Montreal church wins key court round in fight over Sean Feucht worship event fine In a significant preliminary victory for religious freedom and freedom of expression, the Quebec Superior Court has rejected the City of Montreal’s motion to dismiss a judicial review application brought by the Church Ministerial Restoration. The church, which hosted American Christian worship leader @SeanFeucht last summer, was fined $2,500 by municipal authorities who classified the event as an unpermitted concert violating zoning bylaws. Mark Joseph, a lawyer representing the church through The Democracy Fund (TDF), explained the stakes plainly. “We, TDF, believe this is a civil liberties violation, obviously, because people across Canada have the right to free speech and freedom of worship,” Joseph said. “Just because people are singing in a church or a mosque or synagogue… doesn’t mean that the government can step in and forbid that on the pretext that there’s a zoning bylaw that says you can’t.” The case stems from intense backlash to Feucht’s appearance. Far-left protesters targeted the church, with one individual — later identified as Department of National Defence employee Gabriel Lepage — allegedly throwing smoke bombs inside during the service. No charges have been laid. Meanwhile, the City of Montreal issued the infraction, prompting TDF to challenge it directly at the Superior Court rather than the municipal level. “The city… filed a motion to dismiss that application,” Joseph recounted. “And so what happened a few days ago is the judge… ruled in favour of the church and said, no, the city cannot dismiss this application for judicial review. This application for judicial review will go ahead in the superior court.” Joseph described the city’s aggressive posture as telling: “It shows that they’re fighting every step of the way on this. Instead of… coming to terms with the problem here, they’re going to engage in a war of attrition.” The next phase involves exchanging affidavits, possible cross-examinations, legal briefs, and a full hearing. Joseph indicated that TDF lawyers are considering subpoenaing city officials to testify about the decision-making process, especially after a mayoral spokesperson publicly declared the event “runs counter to the values of inclusion, solidarity, and respect that are championed in Montreal” and labelled it “hateful and discriminatory speech.” “This is going to maybe set the precedent for religious freedom and freedom of expression in a place of worship,” Joseph emphasized. “If it’s found that the city can fine or prohibit worship whenever there’s some sort of musical performance in a place of worship, that’s going to… massively infringe the rights to freedom of worship and expression for religious people and others across Canada.” The case has drawn intervenor interest from other religious organizations, underscoring its broader implications for Canadian civil liberties. REPORT by @ThevoiceAlexa:

GOOD NEWS FOR CANADA!!!!!!

🚨 UPDATE: Court Victory: TDF lawyers successfully defeat City's Motion Judge dismisses City's Motion to Dismiss Church's application for judicial review. Montreal— In response to the $2,500 by-law infraction ticket issued against Ministerios Restauracion by the City of Montreal after the worship service of US artist Sean Feucht, TDF lawyers filed an application for judicial review with the Quebec Superior Court seeking to have the ticket quashed. (Several Canadian church organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities, and the Réseau évangélique du Québec, sought and received the Court's permission to intervene in support of Ministerios Restauracion.) In response, lawyers for the City filed a motion to dismiss the Church's application contending that the issues should be handled exclusively in municipal court. In their written submissions, TDF lawyers argued that the Superior Court, rather than the Municipal Court, should hear and determine the Charter challenges brought by the Church, given that freedom of religion, speech and assembly are constitutionally-protected rights and that the City's ticket infringed those rights. The City argued that the constitutional challenges brought by the Church in its judicial application should be adjudicated by the Municipal Court rather than the Superior Court since the Municipal Court has jurisdiction to hear these arguments. The Superior Court has now rendered its judgment. After reviewing the written submission of the parties, Justice Lukasz Granosik of the Quebec Superior Court rejected the City's attempt to dismiss the Church's application for judicial review. The Church's application will now proceed to a full hearing on the merits at the Quebec Superior Court at a date to be scheduled soon. TDF litigation director, Mark Joseph, said: "This is an important preliminary victory for the Church, since now the Quebec Superior Court will consider the larger constitutional challenges to the City's ticket in a full hearing. TDF lawyers will get the chance to argue that the City violated the rights of Montreal church members when it interfered by issuing a $2,500 fine for engaging in peaceful worship." Read the full update and make a donation here: thedemocracyfund.ca/court_victory_…