PETITION TO THE Government of Canada
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the following:
THAT in 2006 the Government of Canada cut funding for the Court Challenges Program which provided federal funding to individuals and groups who wished to challenge federal legislation, including cases related to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; AND
THAT in the face of what so many people experienced, we must stand up for our Charter Rights; AND
THAT no financial or legal support is available to Canadians who wish to raise important cases regarding violations to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This means that only the wealthy can afford to protect their Charter rights.
THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the Government of Canada
To, immediately reinstate funding for the Court Challenges Program and allow Canadians to challenge the federal government in court; AND immediately fund a Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights that is accountable only to the Parliament of Canada and is responsible for ensuring that challenges to government actions and laws under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms receive funding and legal support.