Canadian Civil Liberties Association

CCLA welcomes the Ontario Superior Court of Justice landmark decision affirming that unhoused people are entitled to full constitutional protection under the Charter and that governments must apply a human rights-based approach in responding to homeless encampments. ccla.org/press-release/…

Each year, the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (CCLET) presents a nation-wide high school essay/video contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos, a dedicated civil libertarian, lawyer and lover of lively debate. The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of social studies courses, and winners will receive cash prizes of up to $750! A link to submit entries, and more information about the contest, can be found here: cclet.org/contests. The deadline to enter is May 25nd, 2026 @ 11:59PM EST – we look forward to receiving your entries!

Yesterday, Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of our Fundamental Freedoms program, testified on Bill C-9 before the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights. The CCLA explained that some of the new criminal offenses introduced through Bill C-9 could criminalize peaceful protesters, stifle dissent, and disproportionately target the very communities the bill claims to protect.

CCLA at Supreme Court to Ensure Restraint in Use of Police Powers The CCLA will appear before the Supreme Court of Canada today in R. v. Walker. This appeal is about the powers that police can use under the Criminal Code when enforcing a provincial or municipal law. Provincial and municipal laws regulate a range of day-to-day life, from legislation concerning driving rules to street vendor licencing. Those laws have a range of mechanisms for police to enforce them, from a small fine up to an arrest. The CCLA will make two submissions to the Court: First, police must rely on the enforcement mechanisms provided by non-criminal legislation. If a provincial or municipal law does not allow a police officer to arrest a person for a violation, the officer cannot arrest them for the federal criminal offence of obstructing a peace officer. The police may only rely on what the provincial or municipal law sets out as the way to enforce it. Second, only where a person in fact obstructs the police in exercising a lawful enforcement power under a municipal or provincial law, is an arrest possible. For example, if a person refuses to provide basic information necessary to issue them a fine or ticket. However, even in those circumstances, the police should exercise their discretion to make an arrest with restraint. You can read CCLA’s factum here: tinyurl.com/2sbc5r4n The CCLA is grateful to Erin Dann and Paul Socka of Embry Dann LLP for their excellent pro bono representation, and Catherine Ouellet of Gowling WLG for their pro bono agent services.

May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Now in its 22nd year, this day represents global mobilization for the rights and dignity of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This past year has brought real hardship. Misinformation, fear-mongering, and coordinated campaigns targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities have become normalized. The law has increasingly been used as a tool of erasure, particularly against Trans youth. This hostility demands a clear response. Our response is, and will always be, solidarity. Rights, once won, are not guaranteed, and protecting them requires our collective effort. On this May 17th, the CCLA reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of these communities, together.

Each year, the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (CCLET) presents a nation-wide high school essay/video contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos, a dedicated civil libertarian, lawyer and lover of lively debate. The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of social studies courses, and winners will receive cash prizes of up to $750! A link to submit entries, and more information about the contest, can be found here: cclet.org/contests. The deadline to enter is May 22nd, 2026 @ 11:59PM EST – we look forward to receiving your entries!

Our Director of Equality, Harini Sivalingam, recently published this op-ed in Law360 Canada on why the Ontario government's proposal to grant transit special constables expanded law enforcement powers represents a significant expansion of coercive state power into public transit systems. Check it out here. law360.ca/ca/articles/24…

Each year, the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (CCLET) presents a nation-wide high school essay/video contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos, a dedicated civil libertarian, lawyer and lover of lively debate. The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of social studies courses, and winners will receive cash prizes of up to $750! A link to submit entries, and more information about the contest, can be found here: cclet.org/contests. The deadline to enter is May 22nd, 2026 @ 11:59PM EST – we look forward to receiving your entries!

On April 22, 2026, Shakir Rahim, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, testified on Bill C-14 restricting bail before the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. You can watch his testimony below. The CCLA’s brief can be read here: tinyurl.com/3439atmc.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association congratulates Justice Louise Arbour on her appointment as Canada’s next Governor-General! CCLA is grateful for Justice Arbour’s substantial contributions to our work for justice and rights for all people in Canada as a past Board member, Vice-President and most recently, a member of our National Council. Before her appointment to the bench, Justice Arbour represented CCLA in public interest litigation cases and was an outspoken advocate for civil liberties. Louise Arbour has made significant contributions to global justice in her role as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, setting historic precedents by prosecuting sexual assault as a crime against humanity and indicting a sitting head of state. Her contributions in Canada are equally noteworthy, as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and in her more recent role conducting the independent review of the Canadian military’s handling of harassment and sexual assault. Throughout her long and storied legal career, Louise Arbour’s commitment to seeking justice with determination and integrity has been remarkable. All of us at CCLA celebrate this appointment as a reflection of Louise Arbour’s consequential contributions to Canadian and global justice at a time when the world needs more of both. Dr. Simron Singh Chair of the Board of Directors, Canadian Civil Liberties Association Photo from 1984 showing Louise Arbour with long-time CCLA leader Alan Borovoy. Photo Credit: Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand

CCLA expressed profound disappointment and alarm following the Ontario government’s decision to proceed with regulations granting transit enforcement agents sweeping police-equivalent powers — including the authority to arrest, detain, demand identification, and destroy property — in transit spaces that millions of Ontarians depend on every day. ccla.org/press-release/…

CCLA expressed profound disappointment and alarm following the Ontario government’s decision to proceed with regulations granting transit enforcement agents sweeping police-equivalent powers — including the authority to arrest, detain, demand identification, and destroy property — in transit spaces that millions of Ontarians depend on every day. Read more here. ccla.org/press-release/…

Today, on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirt, trans and gender diverse people (MMIWG2S), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association joins in remembrance of those who have been lost, and in solidarity with the families, survivors, and communities who continue to seek justice. The ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S is a profound human rights issue. It reflects systemic failures—rooted in colonialism, racism, and discrimination—that have left Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans and gender diverse people at heightened risk of violence and denied equal protection under the law. We echo the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry and urge governments and institutions to take immediate, concrete, and rights-respecting action grounded in accountability, equality, and respect for Indigenous rights. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing challenging injustice and working toward a future where Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans and gender diverse people can live in safety and dignity.

The motion adopted by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs to rush Bill C 25, the so-called Strong and Free Elections Act, through committee—allowing civil society less than 48 hours to prepare submissions—undercuts meaningful public participation in the development of election law. A process that governs how Canadians vote must meet the highest standards of transparency, deliberation, and democratic legitimacy. Compressing timelines to this extent all but guarantees that many expert voices, including those working to protect civil liberties and democratic rights, will be muted. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is deeply concerned that this approach signals a willingness to move forward without the benefit of broad public input or careful scrutiny. Election law is foundational to our democracy. It should never be amended in a way that limits public engagement or prevents civil society from providing evidence based analysis. Canadians deserve a process that strengthens trust in our democratic institutions—not one that diminishes it.

CCLA has been granted leave to intervene in Saskatchewan (Minister of Education) v. UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, a landmark case before the Supreme Court of Canada that will determine whether courts retain jurisdiction to declare Charter rights violations when a government overrides fundamental rights and freedoms through the use of the notwithstanding clause. Read more here. ccla.org/press-release/…

The Ontario government has pushed Bill 97 into law, avoiding legislative scrutiny of an initiative that will undermine government transparency while also shielding the government’s privacy practices from public and regulatory scrutiny. Read more here: ccla.org/fundamental-fr…

Each year, the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (CCLET) presents a nation-wide high school essay/video contest to commemorate the work of Bernard Chernos, a dedicated civil libertarian, lawyer and lover of lively debate. The Bernard Chernos Contest makes a great ready-made assignment for a wide range of social studies courses, and winners will receive cash prizes of up to $750! A link to submit entries, and more information about the contest, can be found here: cclet.org/contests. The deadline to enter is May 22nd, 2026 @ 11:59PM EST – we look forward to receiving your entries!

Le 23 avril marque le premier mois depuis le début de l'affaire historique relative à la loi 21 devant la Cour suprême. Bien que l'affaire soit close, notre combat se poursuit. Le président du conseil d'administration de la CCLA, le Dr Simron Singh (il), explique pourquoi des organisations comme la CCLA sont plus que jamais nécessaires

April 23rd marks one month since the historic Bill 21 case began at the Supreme Court. Though the case has concluded, our advocacy has not. Chair of CCLA’s Board of Directors, Dr. Simron Singh (he/him), speaks to why organizations like CCLA are needed now more than ever.

Three of our federal political parties have gone to great lengths to avoid any type of effective privacy restrictions and oversight of their data-driven political campaigning, including litigation and passing multiple laws. A new poll finds that the public rejects this status quo, and that political parties should be subject to the same rules as businesses and public sector organizations.  To read more and to sign a petition calling for meaningful privacy rules and oversight, visit voterprivacy.ca Read the article here. ccla.org/privacy/new-po…