Charges Stayed w/ Pastor Henry Hildebrandt

In a significant legal victory for free speech and assembly, charges against former MP Derek Sloan and Pastor Henry Hildebrandt have been stayed. Sloan and Hildebrandt were vocal participants in peaceful anti-lockdown protests in Ontario in 2021, standing firm in exercising Charter rights and freedoms amidst stringent health measures. Their advocacy highlighted the balance between public health and fundamental freedoms, challenging the Reopening Ontario Act's restrictions on gatherings during the spring of 2021.

Justice Centre President John Carpay remarked on the government's overreach, criticizing the health measures for being rooted in fear rather than science. He underscored the lack of evidence linking peaceful outdoor gatherings, deemed illegal by the government, to any public health harm.

Chris Fleury, the lawyer representing Sloan and Hildebrandt, welcomed the stay of charges, recognizing it as a desirable resolution. He expressed relief that prosecutions under the Reopening Ontario Act are seeing their conclusion, marking a hopeful turning point for those advocating for the restoration of civil liberties eroded during the pandemic.

This development not only represents a legal triumph for Sloan and Hildebrandt but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of the right to freedom of expression and assembly in a democratic society.