Journalist Banned from Alberta Hospitals
The CCF is seeking judicial review after Alberta Health Services (AHS) banned independent journalist Mocha Bezirgan from all AHS properties across Alberta for one year.
On December 15, the CCF was granted intervenor status in Toronto International Celebration Church’s legal challenge of the Ontario lockdown measures that limit religious worship to ten people.
“We are throwing our weight behind this legal challenge of lockdown measures and to stand up for the fundamental right to religious freedom,” said CCF Litigation Director, Christine Van Geyn. “We are reasonable, and believe that some health measures are justified in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But what concerns us is that the government has imposed a random cap of ten on church services during a very sacred period for Christians. Meanwhile big box stores are open and full. This church has taken extensive safety precautions to protect their congregants from COVID-19, but despite their best efforts, they have been shut down,” continued Van Geyn.
The church’s larger legal challenge will be heard in 2021. The CCF will be represented by Toronto lawyer Ryan O’Connor, who has generously offered to prepare materials on a reduced fee basis.
This case was discontinued due to changing COVID-19 regulations making it no longer necessary.
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