Victory! Ontario Superior Court of Justice strikes down draconian limitations on third-party speech proposed by Bill 254 | The Ontario Federation of Labour

Victory! Ontario Superior Court of Justice strikes down draconian limitations on third-party speech proposed by Bill 254

A decision released by Justice Edward M. Morgan on June 8, 2021, recognized the unconstitutionality of Bill 254 and confirmed the infringement of Ontarians’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision strikes down sections of the Election Finances Act that were captured under Bill 254, including the unprecedented 12-month, pre-election period restricting third party advertising. With Justice Morgan’s ruling, this 12-month period is no longer in effect.

This legal challenge was brought forward by OFL unions within the Working Families Coalition and separate challenges launched by OFL education unions.

Read Justice Morgan’s decision here.

This is a huge win for democracy, every Ontarian, and the protection of Charter Rights.