Enforcing ‘bubble zones’ in the city is a clear violation of Charter rights, experts say
Some of Toronto’s veteran activists are decrying the city’s new “bubble zone” anti-protest law, and the “disappointing” vote from stalwart NDP leader Mayor Olivia Chow.
Last week Toronto’s city council voted to pass the controversial access bylaw, restricting demonstrations around places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions.
The bylaw, which comes into effect July 2, allows institutions to apply to have the city enforce a temporary no-protest zone for a 50-metre radius. This is an increase over staff’s recommendation of 20 metres, a last minute motion successfully moved by Councillor James Pasternak, and “appears to fly in the face of legal advice,” according to the Toronto Star.
It passed 16-9, with Chow and fellow progressive and moderate councillors, Don Valley North’s Shelley Carroll and University-Rosedale’s Dianne Saxe, voting to support, after hours of debate.
Gord Perks, Councillor for Parkdale-High Park, said it’s a big step backward for the city. “Every moment of freedom that we enjoy in Toronto and Canada was fought for and won and is defended by public protest. Efforts to constrain public protest put our fundamental freedoms at risk,” he said. (more...)
City Council just passed a bylaw that constitutional experts say would violate your Charter Rights & Freedoms. It is a disappointing vote but we applaud those who voted against.
— Progress Toronto (@progresstoronto) May 23, 2025
We'll do a breakdown of what this all means, but for now see how your councillor & the mayor voted ⤵️ https://t.co/oUYWs4ysoy
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