CBC Canada reports
Canada’s highest court will not hear an appeal that challenged limits on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant endorsement for British Columbia’s provincial health officer and the end of the legal road for the faith leaders involved.
The Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the case from churches in B.C.’s Fraser Valley that argued public health rules violated their Charter rights by banning indoor religious services during the height of the pandemic.
“We are disappointed that the Supreme Court of Canada has declined our application for leave to appeal in this matter,” read a statement from Marty Moore with the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made the orders during the province’s second wave of infections in late 2020.
The religious group — which includes pastors and other leaders from Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Langley — had applied for the chance to appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada after losing their case with B.C.’s courts.
As is custom, the higher court did not give reasons for its decision to deny leave to appeal.
Henry said at an unrelated briefing on Thursday that she was “very pleased” with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision.
Read more at
