March 12, 2021
Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health has rescinded her February 8th Class Order targeting individuals released from Thunder Bay District Jail. The abrupt about face comes after the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) and Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) informed the Medical Officer of Health she had vastly overstepped her legal authority.
Detention outside of the rule of law is a clear and deeply concerning violation of constitutional rights. CCLA welcomes the news that the order is no longer in effect. An emergency is a perilous time for civil liberties. Emergency powers are extensive – but they are limited – limited by law and by the Canadian constitution. CCLA will continue to fight for civil liberties in Thunder Bay and across all of Canada as required.
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
