Quebec Charity to Argue in Court that Religious Freedom was Infringed

February 8, 2025 TruthUSA

A charitable organization in Quebec is contesting a local regulation that led to a member receiving a citation for going door-to-door to discuss suicide prevention with residents.

The municipality of Waterloo, situated approximately 90 kilometers east of Montreal, argues that the individual was soliciting, which is prohibited by its regulations.

However, Groupe Jaspe maintains that they were not seeking donations but rather aiming to assist individuals at risk of suicide.

Established by Claude Tremblay in 1999 following his son’s tragic suicide, Groupe Jaspe’s objective is to visit every household in Quebec’s cities and towns to support those contemplating suicide. The group has enlisted the help of around 70 volunteers to cover 50 cities and 771 villages.

Representing Groupe Jaspe, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) contends that the regulation breaches the Charter right to freedom of religion. It cites a 2003 legal case that recognized freedom of religion, which applies in the present situation.

In a previous case, the City of Blainville fined 17 Jehovah’s Witnesses for sales activities under the guise of door-to-door solicitation. The group successfully defended themselves in 2001, and a 2003 appeal upheld the decision.

As per the judge’s observation, the city’s restriction on Jehovah’s Witnesses engaging in conversations about their faith infringed on their religious freedom. It was also deemed to impede on residents’ religious freedom to engage with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

JCCF states that the Waterloo city prosecutor disagrees and cites changes post the implementation of Bill 21, Quebec’s secularism legislation in 2019, as a differentiating factor. The law is presently being challenged in the Supreme Court of Canada.

“Since the enactment of Bill 21, religious groups have felt their rights were being violated by public authorities, albeit unofficially,” stated Groupe Jaspe’s lawyer Oliver Séguin in a JCCF press release. “For the first time, a municipal body appears to be formally invoking the law to justify restricting the rights of a religious nature. A ruling in its favor would severely curtail the religious freedoms of all Quebec residents.”

The Epoch Times reached out to the Waterloo municipality for comments but received no response by the time of publication.

The specific bylaw in question is Regulation G-100 concerning nuisances, peace, and public order.

Waterloo’s city prosecutor previously informed the media in October 2024 that the case centered on a book sale breaching the bylaw, indicating a preference for a guilty verdict.

Tremblay encountered a similar issue in 2015 when he was accused by a police officer of soliciting in the Municipality of Sainte-Thecle. Tremblay clarified in court that he did not seek money but accepted donations. He also shared a book he authored with those donating over $20.

The municipal court ruled that the bylaw was unenforceable, and Tremblay was not found guilty of infringing it.

Per JCCF, Quebec case law upholds freedom of religion and individuals’ right to share their message door to door.

“This case serves as a critical test of religious freedom in Quebec and Canada,” it emphasized.

Tremblay’s latest legal battle commences on February 10.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article.

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