News May 16, 2025

CCLA and CFE call on Toronto City Council to reject proposed "bubble zone" by-law as unnecessary and contrary to the Charter

In a letter today to Toronto’s Mayor and City Council, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Centre for Free Expression urged rejection of the proposed by-law to create protest free zones around places of worship, schools, and child care centres.

CCLA and CFE pointed out that the bylaw represents a significant risk to peaceful expression and assembly, and on balance is not necessary in light of already-existing laws and police powers.

“Working toward a more inclusive and equal society is a goal both our organizations share. It is also one that the government must pursue without unreasonably and unjustifiably infringing on fundamental freedoms,” the letter said.

It noted that the public consultation conducted by the City itself shows that the majority of the population does not consider a bubble zone by law to be necessary and that the Toronto police argued it would be of little value to them.

Click here to read the full letter.

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