An Ontario Amish community can breathe a sigh of relief after winning a months-long legal battle to overturn thousands of dollars in fines imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Amish residents of Grey County were fined for violating the Quarantine Act after travelling across the border, failing to use the ArriveCan app and refusing to undergo PCR testing.
The group was supported by The Democracy Fund and represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Adam Blake-Gallipeau, who secured a withdrawal of their fines after nearly six months of legal efforts.
“Negotiations bring a six-month battle to an end and deliver justice for a vulnerable religious community,” wrote TDF in a press release Monday.
“The Democracy Fund has secured a pivotal victory for Ontario’s Amish community, with the Crown withdrawing all Quarantine Act tickets against a group of Grey County Amish clients.”
While withdrawing the tickets in Lambton County Court, the Crown concluded that there was “no reasonable prospect of conviction.”
“This is a victory for fairness,” said Blake-Gallipeau. “The Crown’s withdrawal is significant. These tickets should have never endangered the lives and land of a peaceful religious minority. We’re proud to deliver justice to these families. The Elders in the Amish community have acknowledged and greatly appreciate the support from TDF donors and the wider Canadian community.”
Due to their religious beliefs, the Amish do not use many modern technologies and were unable to use the ArriveCan app.
Instead, the community relies on traditional farming and home remedies as a means to survive.
They customarily pass their land onto their descendants, a tradition that was threatened by liens registered against their property after the fines went unpaid.
However, with the support of TDF, the community was able to reopen their cases earlier this month and received the decision to have all fines withdrawn on Monday.
“Though a milestone, TDF’s work continues for other Amish clients facing similar charges and appeals,” wrote the group. “The organization remains resolute in defending Canadians’ constitutional rights against overreach, with public support essential to this ongoing fight.”