Gym to challenge Ontario lockdown and stay home order: CCF seeking intervenor status

Gym to challenge Ontario lockdown and stay home order: CCF seeking intervenor status

TORONTO: The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) will be seeking intervenor status in a legal challenge to the province-wide lockdown and stay at home order which is being brought by a specialized gym in Kitchener-Waterloo.

The gym, NorthX Fitness, is for any person with an interest in fitness. It also has a special focus on serving individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Many of these individuals rely on fitness training to manage their disabilities, and are unable to work out without assistance or supervision.

“Many people across Ontario rely on fitness training for their mental and physical health. The government has allowed gyms to open for elite athletes. But the harm of closing gyms for individuals who rely on them for mental and physical health, including the management of a disability, is arbitrary and discriminatory,” 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 we are concerned that the government has taken a sledge hammer approach to these lockdowns, and given little consideration of the collateral damage they are doing. That includes real harm to the patrons of this specialized gym,” continued Van Geyn.

The CCF will be represented by Toronto lawyer Asher Honickman.

“The Charter operates differently in times of crisis, but it must still be capable of providing meaningful rights protections.” said Mr. Honickman.

For the original version of this release see here.