Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench
Summary:
This case dealt with the constitutionality of public health orders issued in Manitoba during COVID-19. The public health orders limited gatherings at places of worship. Churches and individual residents challenged the orders, arguing that the orders violated their freedom of religion, expression, and assembly. ARPA intervened in the case in the lower court and the Court of Appeal, arguing that the Charter’s strong support for institutional pluralism and lack of minimally impairing restrictions shows that the government’s restrictions on religious gatherings were unconstitutional. The Manitoba court acknowledged that the orders infringed Charter rights, but the court concluded it was justified under section 1 because of the seriousness of the public health emergency.
ARPA Canada’s submissions to the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench.
ARPA Canada’s submissions to the Manitoba Court of Appeal.
