Ford’s attempt to silence critics struck down by court

ESSEX — The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has struck down major parts of Doug Ford’s changes to the Election Finances Act – saying his attempt to stop independent groups and people from expressing their views through ads is unconstitutional, violating Canadians’ Charter right to freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression.

NDP Ethics and Accountability critic Taras Natyshak released the following statement in response:

“Doug Ford tried to silence families of long-term care residents, school communities, parents of children with autism, working people, environmental advocates, and public health experts. He tried to strip away people’s freedom of speech and freedom of expression, because this government’s strategy is to ‘protect the king.’

Doug Ford is all about Doug Ford, and he doesn’t tolerate criticism from the people he hurts. Thankfully, the courts have made it clear that people have the right to speak, whether Doug Ford likes it or not.

Thank you to the people who challenged Ford’s unconstitutional law, and to the courts for their thoughtful decision."