Source: https://es.scribd.com/document/388247714/Ontario-Superior-Court-of-Justice-judgement
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 22:20:34+00:00

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that is.000. in my view. I will focus primarily on the issues and authorities that. 1 S. reducing the number of City wards and councillors from 47 to 25 and de facto doubling the ward populations from an average of 61. c. second reading on August 2. 2018. challenge the constitutional validity of Bill 5. are the most determinative. Election day is October 22. At the end of July. it fundamentally altered the City of Toronto's governance structure in the middle of the City's election. 7 and 8 and Royal Assent on August 14. I will forego a detailed analysis of every legal issue raised in this proceeding or the case law that pertains to these issues.000 to 111. without notice.O. 2018. also known as the Better Local Government Act. . 11. Belobaba:  These applications. shortly after taking power.  Bill 5 received first reading on July 30.  Given the pressing need for a timely decision.1 For ease of reference. The unprecedented nature of the case before me  The matter before me is unprecedented.  The election period for Toronto City Council began on May 1. Bill 5 took immediate effect in the middle of August.as the Impugned Provisions. The provincial legislature enacted Bill 5. the candidates were in the midst of their campaigns and the City Clerk's preparations for a 47-ward election were well underway. Here is how the City of Toronto put it in the opening line of its factum: Never before has a Canadian government meddled with democracy like the Province of Ontario did when. 2018 and was based on a 47-ward structure. 2018. brought on an urgent basis. radically redrawing the City of Toronto’s electoral districts.Page 3 - Justice Edward P. the provisions that change the number of wards and councillors from 47 to 25 . I will refer to the impugned provincial enactment as Bill 5 and I will refer to the provisions that are being challenged . the newly elected Ontario government announced that it would enact legislation directed primarily at the City of Toronto. 2018. by which point some 509 candidates for the October 22 election had been certified. in the middle of the City’s election. .  The enactment of provincial legislation radically changing the number and size of a city’s electoral districts in the middle of the city’s election is without parallel in Canadian history.
Peel. I find that the Impugned Provisions of Bill 5 substantially interfered with both the candidate’s and the voter’s right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. that these breaches cannot be saved or justified under section 1. The question for the court. Metropolitan Stores Ltd. Achampong included a challenge to these provisions in his application and filed a supporting affidavit from the campaign manager of a candidate in York Region.G. If the Province wishes to enact another Bill 5-type law at some future date to affect future City elections. It is only when a democratically elected government has clearly crossed the line that the “judicial umpire” should intervene. the Achampong application asks that Bill 5 be “stayed”. I recognize that Mr. 2 I make no ruling in relation to the provisions in Bill 5 that change the selection process for the regional chairs in York. The October 22 election shall proceed as scheduled but on the basis of 47 wards.the City has 47 wards.C. 2(b) of the Charter  The applicants and intervenors advanced a number of Charter and non-Charter arguments in addition to s. As things now stand – and until a constitutionally valid provincial law says otherwise . a remedy that was not requested by any other applicant and is not being granted here because it requires a very different legal analysis: see Manitoba (A. 2(d) and 15(1) of the Charter. it may certainly attempt to do so. Decision  I am acutely aware of the appropriate role of the court in reviewing duly enacted federal or provincial legislation and the importance of judges exercising judicial deference and restraint. . The question is whether the enactment of Bill 5 is unconstitutional.  For the reasons set out below. namely that the Impugned Provisions breached association and equality rights under ss.  1 S. 52 of the Constitution Act. .) v. However.Page 4 -  Most people would agree that changing the rules in the middle of the game is profoundly unfair. however. Arguments other than s.  The Province has clearly crossed the line.R. 1982. I further find. and the unwritten constitutional principles of the rule of law and democracy. on the evidence before me. Niagara and Muskoka from election to appointment. 110. 2(b). not 25.2  The Impugned Provisions are unconstitutional and are set aside under s. is not whether Bill 5 is unfair. A more complete legal and evidentiary basis would be needed before this court could comfortably consider a challenge to the provisions in Bill 5 that deal with the appointment of the four regional chairs.
and it is an important one.J.”3  The only proviso. 4 Reference re Canada Assistance Plan (B.R. The 3 Babcock v Canada (Attorney General). "[a]ny proposed change in legislation or regulation that. 12: “[C]ourts can only provide remedies for the public grievances if those grievances violate legal as opposed to political proprieties.6 Thus. 11.  3 S. together with the rule of law and democracy submissions. I make no actual finding in this regard. .  O. Ontario (Attorney General). may live another day. will have a significant … impact on the City". (6th ed. a federal or provincial legislature is sovereign and cannot bind itself. 2(b) of the Charter and the guarantee of freedom of expression. 66. at para. 85. Assuming the law falls under s. or indeed any other provincial head of power. No.. 7 S. there is no dispute that the Province has plenary authority under s.64. 525. is that any such legislation must comply with the Charter (and. Sch. among other things. Also see East York v. 6 of the Toronto-Ontario Cooperation and Consultation Agreement which provides that Ontario shall consult with the City on.). A. 473 at para.  First. any applicable unwritten constitutional norms and principles).R. What is politically controversial is not necessarily constitutionally impermissible. 6(1) and (2). the Province can pass a law that is wrong-headed. arguably.  2 S.R.. 2006.C.C. courts have no role to supervise the exercise of legislative power. s.O. 92(8) of the Constitution Act. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. not judicial review. . It is sufficient for my decision today to focus only on s. ss. However. c. 14 of the same Agreement provides that a failure to abide by any of its terms does not give rise to any legal remedy.) at para 11.”4 The remedy for bad laws that are otherwise intra vires and Charter-compliant is the ballot box. the argument that the City of Toronto Act7 somehow imposed an immutable obligation to consult cannot succeed.5  Second. 2(b) of the Charter.  2 S. 92(8). unfair or even “draconian. The provincial legislature can over-rule or contradict a previously enacted law. 3. As long as a statute is “neither ultra vires nor contrary to the [Charter]. Sullivan on the Construction of Statutes. A subsequent enactment that is inconsistent with an earlier enactment is deemed to impliedly repeal the earlier enactment to the extent of the inconsistency. perhaps to be litigated in another court. at para. 2(d) and 15(1) submissions.C. 4100 at para.Page 5 -  I am inclined to agree with the Province that none of these additional submissions can prevail on the facts herein. Analysis  Several preliminary points should be made clear before I explain why the Impugned Provisions infringe s. 5 British Columbia v. 1867 to pass laws in relation to “Municipal Institutions in the Province”.C. 57. However. Also see s.” 6 Sullivan. in Ontario’s opinion. The ss.
”10 8 The obligation of procedural fairness materializes at the level of subordinate legislation and in the judicial review of the administrative actions of agencies and tribunals – not at the level of primary legislation such as Bill 5 herein. belief.000 to an average of 111.  Third. the Supreme Court has made clear that freedom of expression did not originate in the Charter but was entrenched in the Constitution in 1982 as “one of the most fundamental values of our society. 504 at paras 44.  As I explain in more detail below.C.” Although set out in the Charter. however. the Impugned Provisions breach s. speaking broadly and again absent a constitutional issue.  Either breach by itself is sufficient to support a court order declaring that the Impugned Provisions are of no force or effect. (1) Breach of the candidate’s freedom of expression  Section 2(b) of the Charter guarantees “freedom of thought.R. and Reference re Canada Assistance Plan.R. 2(b) of the Charter in two ways: (i) because the Bill was enacted in the middle of an ongoing election campaign.C. the second to its content and its impact on voters. 569.000. 28. it breached the municipal candidate’s freedom of expression and (ii) because Bill 5 almost doubled the population size of City wards from an average of 61. Upon closer examination of the surrounding circumstances. Bill 5 although controversial in content appears to fall squarely within the province’s legislative competence. an aspect of procedural fairness. at para. 68-69. one discovers at least two constitutional deficiencies that cannot be justified in a free and democratic society. 10 Libman v Quebec (Attorney General). supra.  3 S.G. Canada (A. 1170 at para 74. it breached the municipal voter’s right to cast a vote that can result in effective representation. at paras 58-61.C.Page 6 - Province was entitled to enact Bill 5 and ignore completely the promise to consult that was set out in the previous law.) v Mavi. including freedom of the press and other media of communication. The first relates to the timing of the law and its impact on candidates. . . 9 Old St Boniface Residents Assn Inc v Winnipeg (City). opinion and expression. does not apply to legislative enactments.  3 S.9  At first glance.R. the provincial legislature has no obligation to consult and no obligation of procedural fairness. note 4.8 The doctrine of legitimate expectations.  2 S.
whether the purpose or effect of the legislation is to interfere with that expression. Keegstra. 13 R.  In a section 2(b) claim. the Court asks two questions: first.R. 2015 FC 1155 at para 41. 14 Libman. 2(b) of the Charter. 16 Irwin Toy Ltd.11 All the more so when freedom of expression is engaged in the political realm. financial supporters and voters. Freedom of expression is a crucial aspect of the democratic commitment. Quebec (Attorney General). Taman v Canada (Attorney General).14  It follows from this that the freedom of expression guarantee extends not only to candidates but to every participant in a political election campaign. 2(b) guarantee. 927 at 978. including volunteers. The Court has made clear that any activity or communication that conveys or attempts to convey meaning (and does not involve violence) is covered by the guarantee in s. 2(b) of the Charter. 26. 2004 SCC 43 at para. 697 at 763-64. Vancouver Sun (Re).16 11 Ibid. V. 2004 SCC 33 at paras 15 and 20. and the nature of this connection is largely derived from the Canadian commitment to democracy. note 10.R.Page 7 -  The Supreme Court has frequently and consistently held that freedom of expression is of crucial importance in a democratic society. 29. for ease of understanding.C.C. . 12 Ibid at para. . Political expression is at the very heart of the values sought to be protected by the freedom of expression guaranteed by s. 2(b) issue with Bill 5.  1 S. 29. not merely because it permits the best policies to be chosen from among a wide array of proffered options. 15 Harper v Canada (Attorney General). at para.  3 S. but additionally because it helps to ensure that participation in the political process is open to all persons. v.13  The Supreme Court has encouraged a broad interpretation of freedom of expression that extends the guarantee to as many expressive activities as possible. I will focus only on the candidates. whether the activity in question falls within the scope of freedom of expression. and secondly.12 Here is how the Court put it in Keegstra: The connection between freedom of expression and the political process is perhaps the linchpin of the s. supra.15 Each of them would have a genuine s. However.
The 47-ward structure informed their decision about where to run. 2(b).  Bill 5 radically altered the City’s electoral districts. .17  Perhaps the better question is “How could it not?”  The evidence is that the candidates began the election campaign on or about May 1. I say “the right to freedom of expression”. how to attract additional financial support. most of the candidates had already produced campaign material such as websites and pamphlets that were expressly tied to the ward in which they were running.Page 8 -  The expressive activity of candidates competing in the City’s ongoing election obviously falls within the scope of s. The immediate impact of Bill 5 was wide-spread confusion and uncertainty. 2018 on the basis of a 47-ward structure and on the reasonable assumption that the 47- ward structure would not be changed mid-stream. The freedom to do a thing. Fraser. That is. what to say. Hence. 67. the possibility that the court challenge might succeed and the consequences for all concerned if this were to happen.  2 S. Some candidates persevered.freedoms and rights. There was uncertainty flowing from the court challenge. The more pertinent question is whether their freedom of expression has been infringed by the enactment of Bill 5. 3. 17 The case law is clear that the Charter cannot be subdivided into two kinds of guarantees . When Bill 5 took effect on August 14. others dropped out of the race entirely.  The evidence is that the candidates spent more time on doorsteps addressing the confusing state of affairs with potential voters than discussing relevant political issues.C. how to best refashion one’s political message and reorganize one’s campaign. at para. . whether the enactment of Bill 5 changing the electoral districts in the middle of the City’s election campaign substantially interfered with the candidate’s right to freedom of expression. There was confusion about where to run.R. how to raise money and how to publicize their views. The candidates’ efforts to convey their political message about the issues in their particular ward were severely frustrated and disrupted. mid-way through the election campaign. A great deal of the candidate’s time and money had been invested within the boundaries of a particular ward when the ward numbers and sizes were suddenly changed. in most cases doubling both their physical size and the number of potential voters. and what to do about all the wasted campaign literature and other material. implies a right to do it. See Ontario (Attorney General) v. when guaranteed by the Constitution and interpreted purposively.
 Once the Province has entered the field and provided an electoral process.  Electoral fairness is a fundamental value of democracy. 50. note 18. Elections are fair and equitable only if candidates are given a reasonable opportunity to present their positions. candidates were not given a reasonable opportunity to present their positions. 20 Ibid at para 47. note 10.19 the principle of electoral fairness flows directly from a principle entrenched in the Constitution: the political equality of citizens. it undermined an otherwise fair and equitable election process. at para. the law would not have interfered with any candidate’s freedom of expression and no candidate could have alleged otherwise. supra. 2(b) of the Charter does not guarantee a 47-ward election platform. radically redrawing the electoral districts in the middle of the electoral process undermined the very notion of a “fair and equitable” election. 19 Libman.  Here.20  Here.Page 9 -  There can be no doubt on the evidence before the court that Bill 5 substantially interfered with the candidate’s ability to effectively communicate his or her political message to the relevant voters. Figueroa. 2003 SCC 37. where a democratic platform is provided (in that case a referendum. supra. as already noted. . and the election has begun.18 As the Court noted in Libman. The Province is right to say that s. here a 47-ward election structure). it may not suddenly and in the middle of this electoral process impose new rules that undermine an otherwise fair election and substantially interfere with the candidates’ freedom of expression. expressive activity in connection with that 18 Figueroa v. Canada (Attorney General). 21 Libman. . at para 51. because Bill 5 took effect in the middle of the City’s election. supra. note 10. as the Supreme Court’s decision in Libman21 makes clear. Had this happened. Indeed. The enactment and imposition of Bill 5.  This is not a situation where a provincial law changing the number and size of the City’s electoral districts was enacted say six months before the start of the City’s election period. This mid-stream legislative intervention not only interfered with the candidate’s freedom of expression. the law changing the City’s electoral districts was enacted in the middle of the City’s election.
C. the right to “effective representation” and not just voter parity. 22 Ibid at paras. in essence. Third.24 Second. democracy cannot exist.  1 S.legislative and what has been termed the "ombudsman role". Each citizen is entitled to be represented in government. at para. 26 Saskatchewan Reference.C.  As the Supreme Court concluded in the Saskatchewan Reference:26 [T]he purpose of the right to vote enshrined in s. voting is an expressive activity. 1. at para. . 158.R. note 23. 3 of the Charter is not equality of voting power per se.). A breach of the municipal candidate’s right to freedom of expression under s. 25 Ibid at para. 104. 815 and Fraser. 28 to 37.R.C. Ours is a representative democracy. Canada (Chief Electoral Officer). 2(b) of the Charter has been established. supra.  2 S. but the right to "effective representation".22  I have no difficulty finding on the evidence before me that the enactment of Bill 5 changing the number and size of the electoral districts in the middle of the election campaign substantially interfered with the candidate’s freedom of expression. Criminal Lawyers’ Association. 2(b) of the Charter. 24 Haig v. supra. (2) Breach of the municipal voter’s right to freedom of expression  I begin with three propositions that are not in dispute. the most fundamental of our rights in a democratic society is the right to vote.23 Absent a right to vote. .  2 S. the right to vote is. First. Representation comprehends the idea of having a voice in the deliberations of government as well as the idea of the right to bring one's grievances and concerns to the attention of one's government representative … elected representatives function in two roles . Also see Ontario (Public Safety and Security) v.  I now turn to the municipal voter’s right under the same provision of the Charter. note 17. indeed the “most important expressive activity” 25 and is fully protected under s.Page 10 - platform is protected against legislative interference under the traditional Irwin Toy analysis which focuses on substantial interference. 158 at para. 23 Reference re Provincial Electoral Boundaries (Sask. at paras 46 and 69-70. 49. 995.R.
. can also apply in the context of a municipal election. Alberta. c.Page 11 -  City councillors obviously function in both roles. there is no principled reason why in an appropriate case the “effective representation” value cannot inform other related Charter provisions such as the voter’s right to freedom of expression under s. 28 Baier v Alberta. 3 of the Charter. and in the latter role when handling the myriad of constituents’ grievances and concerns that find their way to their desks. S. As the Supreme Court explained in the Saskatchewan Reference: [P]arity of voting power.  2 S. III. classes and localities should be fairly represented.. 1872)): [I]t will be found that . Its origins can be traced back to Canada’s founding fathers and the early debates about the appropriate design of electoral districts. is not the only factor to be taken into account in ensuring effective representation. 13. other considerations were also held to have weight. 4th Sess. Vol. 3 of the Charter (which guarantees every citizen’s right to vote in a federal or provincial election. 51. p. Macdonald in introducing the Act to re-adjust the Representation in the House of Commons. Can the concept of effective representation inform this court’s analysis of the municipal voter’s rights under s. but not a municipal election). legislative and ombudsman – in the former role when debating and passing bylaws or other resolutions. made in the context of s. 673 . 2(b). Sir John A. so that different interests.  The concept of effective representation is not rooted in s. though of prime importance. 926 (June 1. 27  Even if the concept of effective representation is found to have its origins in s.R. recognized this fundamental fact (House of Commons Debates. l872. . 2(b) of the Charter?  In my view it can.C.. As the Supreme Court noted in Baier v. while the principle of population was considered to a very great extent.28 “Charter 27 Ibid at para. 3 of the Charter. The Charter of Rights is not comprised of watertight compartments.  The important legal issue is whether the comments by the Supreme Court about effective representation. for the following reasons. that the principle of numbers should not be the only one.C.
30 De Jong v.33  In other words.Page 12 - rights overlap and cannot be pigeonholed. s.C. 34 City of Toronto Act. as this court noted in DeJong. 2(b) based on the denial of her right to cast a vote that can result in effective representation. . then it follows that any judicial analysis of its scope and content under the freedom of expression guarantee should acknowledge and accommodate voting’s core purpose. at para. the Province has statutorily provided for a resident’s right to vote in municipal elections. S. 29 Ibid at para. where a government chooses to provide one. (3d) 335 (S. 57. having been provided.”35 And where it is not.O. must be provided “in a fashion that is consistent with the Constitution. S. 17(2). including an infringement of s. note 28. 1996. supra. at para. The Attorney General of Ontario. the voter’s freedom of expression must include her right to cast a vote that can result in meaningful and effective representation. s.”29 And. namely effective representation.  Here. c. Also see Baier. then the right so provided must be consistent with and not in breach of the Constitution. 3 “have a close relationship to freedom of expression and to the communication of ideas … there is an affinity between ss.  The following caution from the Supreme Court in Haig32 has direct application on the facts herein: While s.R. 11. 32. 2(b) does not guarantee a right to vote in municipal elections.J. c.O.34 This right. note 24. Sched. 135(2) and Municipal Elections Act.”31  If voting is indeed one of the most important expressive activities in a free and democratic society. 2(b) of the Charter does not include any right to any particular means of expression. 84. if such an expressive right has been provided by the provincial government. A. 25. . note 24. (2007) 88 O.) 31 Ibid at para. 1996. 2006. 58. it must do so in a fashion that is consistent with the Constitution. including the upcoming election in the City of Toronto.30 the rights enshrined in s. 3 and 2(b) (freedom of expression) of the Charter. 2006. even though s. supra. supra. That is. 33 Ibid at para 84. a municipal voter is entitled to allege constitutional infringement. 35 Haig. 32 Haig.
supra. The TWBR considered the “effective representation” requirement and the ward size that would best accomplish this objective. 2(b) of the Charter. 2(b) argument. 39 Haig. Nor does it constitutionalize a right to vote at the municipal level. .  The TWBR began in 2013 and concluded in 2017. however. at para. 84. the applicants before this court allege a clear curtailment of the right to vote and have filed extensive evidence about effective representation. 40 East York. of course. held public hearings. supra. supra. Over the course of the almost four-year review. City Council’s decision in 2017 to increase the number of wards from 44 to 47 was directly based on the findings and conclusions of the TWBR. note 5. to the findings and conclusions of the Toronto Ward Boundary Review. The Court of Appeal noted that it was “mindful”38 of the caution in Haig39 and proceeded to consider the s. 36 Ibid. 2(b) because in that case there was no suggestion of “any curtailment of the right to vote” and no “evidence” that the size of the electoral districts post-amalgamation infringed the concept of effective representation.37 The amalgamation legislation was challenged on the ground that the resulting voter/councillor ratios were too high and denied meaningful access to one’s elected representative. and in particular s.Page 13 -  A finding that Bill 5 has infringed the municipal voter’s freedom of expression by abridging her right to cast a vote that can result in effective representation does not constitutionalize a third level of government. note 24. 37 East York. The finding of Charter infringement flows from the application of the Supreme Court’s caution in Haig36 to the facts of this case – once provided. and consulted widely. 38 Ibid at para. 2(b). I refer. 2.40  Here. the TWBR conducted research. note 5. 4 and 8.  This very approach was taken by the Court of Appeal in the “mega-city” amalgamation case. at paras. The Court of Appeal found no breach of s. The applicants’ challenge was based in part on s. The option of reducing and redesigning the number of wards to mirror the 25 Federal Election Districts was squarely addressed and rejected by the TWBR. a right to vote in a municipal must comply with the Charter. .
42 The average ward size in other Ontario cities is 32. 41 With the exception of a minor change in one ward boundary.600. municipal wards of such a large size would impede individual councillor’s capacity to represent their constituents. It is the level of government that most affects them on a daily basis. building permits and speed bumps. provided the following expert evidence: It is the unique role of municipal councillors that distinguishes municipal wards from provincial and federal ridings. was denied by the Divisional Court: Natale v City of Toronto. but because councillors have a more involved legislative role.from public transit. Boundaries that create electoral districts of 110. the 25 FEDs option was considered by the TWBR and rejected because. 2018 ONSC 1475. at the current 61.  The evidence before this court supports the conclusion that if the 25 FEDs option was adopted.000 may be appropriate for higher orders of government. . interact more intimately with their constituents and are more involved in resolving local issues. Leave to appeal the decision of the OMB. and also participated in the TWBR as a consultant. 43 Saskatchewan Reference. at para. City councillors would not have the capacity to respond in a timely fashion to the “grievances and concerns” of their constituents. who filed an affidavit in this proceeding.Page 14 - which in turn were affirmed on appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board and the Divisional Court. 49. . 2017 CanLII 85757 (ON LPAT). supra. high rise developments and policing to neighbourhood zoning issues.  Local government is the level of government that is closest to its residents. This is particularly relevant in the context of the councillor’s role in a mega-city like Toronto.000 average ward size.42 city councillors were already having difficulty providing effective representation. (now known as the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal) in Di Ciano v Toronto (City).”43 This right must obviously be a meaningful right.41  Put simply. note 23. City councillors receive and respond to literally thousands of individual complaints on an annual basis across a wide range of topics .  Recall what the Supreme Court said in Saskatchewan Reference about how effective representation includes “the right to bring one's grievances and concerns to the attention of one's government representative. Professor Davidson.
. . that the Impugned Provisions substantially interfered with the voter’s right to freedom of expression when it doubled the ward population size from a 61. Breaches of s. that neither of these breaches can be justified or “saved” under s.000) infringe the municipal voter’s right under s. Once the Province has provided for a right to vote in a municipal election.000 average to a 111. 1  Section 1 of the Charter provides that the rights and freedoms guaranteed therein are subject to “such reasonable limits … as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.  1 S. demonstrates that a ward size of approximately 61. I have found two distinct breaches of s.  In sum. 1 has been repeated and refined in numerous Supreme Court decisions since it was first set out in Oakes. Oakes. they must constitute a minimal impairment of 44 R.000 people provides councillors with capacity to provide their constituents with effective representation and that ward sizes of approximately 110.44 Here is the prevailing articulation: [T]he Court must first ask whether the objective the statutory restrictions seek to promote responds to pressing and substantial concerns in a democratic society. The proportionality test involves three steps: the restrictive measures chosen must be rationally connected to the objective.C. that the Impugned Provisions substantially interfered with the candidate’s right to freedom of expression when it changed the City’s electoral districts in the middle of the election campaign. I find that the Impugned Provisions (that impose a 25-ward structure with an average population size of 111.000 average. 103.Page 15 - It is my professional opinion that the unique role of councillors. effectively denying the voter’s right to cast a vote that can result in effective representation.  I further find. for the reasons that follow.”  The analytic approach that a court must take under s. the second. that right must comply with the Charter. 2(b) not saved under s. 1 of the Charter. as well as the public feedback received by the TWBR.R.  On the basis of the evidence before me.000 do not. and comparison with ward-size in other municipalities. 2(b) – the first. v. and then determine whether the means chosen by the government are proportional to that objective. 2(b) of the Charter to cast a vote that can result in meaningful and effective representation.
supra. 1 is on the government. where there are more than 80. 38. 1 of the Charter. they point out that it will save money … Third. note 10. namely proof on a balance of probabilities.45  The onus of justification under s. … Second. . The Toronto councillors I referred to earlier reminded everyone that the Supreme Court of Canada said that voter parity is a prime condition of effective representation. 39. 2018 at the second reading of Bill 5.000 in another.46 Normally. They acknowledge that this voter disparity is the result of self- 45 Libman. they [councillors in support of a 25-ward model] agree that a smaller council will lead to better decision-making at Toronto city hall. the defending government files extensive evidence attempting to provide a justification for the breach under s. 46 Ibid at para. The standard of proof is the civil standard. the Province only filed one news release and some excerpts from Hansard setting out what was said by the Premier and others when Bill 5 was debated in the legislature. They gave examples of the current ward system. it would result in a fair vote for residents. 2018 provided two rationales for Bill 5. .000 residents in one ward and 35.  The news release that was issued by the Premier's office on July 27. at para.Page 16 - the violated right or freedom and there must be proportionality both between the objective and the deleterious effects of the statutory restrictions and between the deleterious and salutary effects of those restrictions. either because of time constraints or because there was little in the way of supporting evidence. the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing set out three objectives for the legislation: First.  On August 2. They gave an example of the current 44-member council having 10-hour debates on issues that would end with the vast majority of councillors voting the same as they would have at the beginning of the debate. which was the very reason Toronto itself undertook a review of its ward boundaries. The Premier observed that Toronto City Council "has become increasingly dysfunctional and inefficient through a combination of entrenched incumbency and established special interests" and that Bill 5 would create an effective municipal government that saves taxpayers money. Here. improved efficiency and overall cost savings. which would benefit Torontonians as a whole.
. Other than the brief reference by the Minister (in the excerpt set out above) nothing more was said about voter parity. whether the government considered other options or engaged in consultation with the affected parties.  It is important to note that. the MPPs who spoke in support of Bill 5 focused on two objectives – improved efficiency and saving taxpayers money. Jones’s cat out of the tree. 157. v. After 10 hours and thousands of pieces of paper going around. 2007 SCC 27. the Premier and the MPPs who spoke in support focused on two rationales for Bill 5: improved efficiency and cost savings. in the debate that followed. 1 justification analysis. in choosing to adopt its preferred approach. 1 analysis. The Court has looked at pre- legislative considerations in the past in the context of minimal impairment. we all agreed to go get Mrs. were explored. The Premier added some anecdotal evidence from his days as a City councillor: I can tell you that I was there numerous times for a 10-hour debate on getting Mrs. it may be useful to consider. in the course of the s. in a range of possible options.  The Supreme Court noted in Health Services47 that it can be useful in the context of the s. We would sit there and debate about anything for 10 hours. and did not refer to voter parity. Jones’ cat out of the tree. . … The wards we are proposing are arrived at through an independent process. nothing got done.Page 17 - interest. a “more streamlined” City Council) and voter parity (barely mentioned).48 47 Health Services and Support Facilities Subsector Bargaining Assn. 1 analysis to ask whether the government considered other options or engaged in consultation with the affected parties before enacting the challenged legislation: Legislators are not bound to consult with affected parties before passing legislation. This leaves two objectives: improved efficiency (“better decision-making”. The Province has indicated to the court that it does not rely on the costs saving objective for the s. At the end of 10 hours. And guess what. That’s a waste of time … That is why it is time to reduce the size and cost of municipal government. Nothing got done.  During the debate on second reading. 48 Ibid at para. This is simply evidence going to whether other options. British Columbia. On the other hand. and that the federal and provincial electoral district process is better because it is an independent process which should apply to Toronto as well.
the constitutional problem here is two-fold: (i) there is no evidence (other than anecdotal evidence) that a 47-seat City Council is in fact “dysfunctional” or that more effective representation can be achieved by moving from a 47-ward to a 25- ward structure. As the Supreme Court noted in RJR-MacDonald. more out of pique than principle.C. the Province’s justification of the Impugned Provisions in Bill 5 fails at the first step of the s. v Canada (Attorney General). . 49 Figueroa. 50 RJR-MacDonald Inc. 160.50 “[I]f the government fails to explain why a significantly less intrusive and equally effective measure was not chosen. there is no evidence of any urgency that required Bill 5 to take effect in the middle of the City’s election. imposing time limits on debate. the law may fail.  3 S. supra. 199. the Province has not shown why a significantly less intrusive and equally effective measure was not chosen.  In any event. or more to the point. improved efficiency in City Council debates. at para. .”51  Dealing with the first objective. there is no evidence that any other options or approaches were considered or that any consultation ever took place. 72. 51 Ibid at para. and (ii) even if there was such evidence.”49 Passing a law that changes the City’s electoral districts in the middle of its election and undermines the overall fairness of the election is antithetical to the core principles of our democracy. such for example. 1 analysis. delaying the coming into force of the City Council restructuring law until after the City’s election.  Even if the Province could establish that the two rationales that were provided to explain Bill 5 were so pressing and substantial as to justify its enactment in the middle of the City’s election. and in particular minimal impairment.R. There is simply no evidence that the two objectives in question were so pressing and substantial that Bill 5 had to take effect in the middle of the City’s election.  The Supreme Court has stated time and again that “preserving the integrity of the election process is a pressing and substantial concern in a free and democratic society. note 18.Page 18 -  Here.  In my view. It appears that Bill 5 was hurriedly enacted to take effect in the middle of the City’s election without much thought at all. the Province could not establish proportionality.
The Province points to the City Clerk’s candid admission at the August 20. If there was a concern about the large size of some of the City’s wards (by my count. In any event. Conclusions  I find that the Province’s enactment of Bill 5 in the middle of the City’s election substantially interfered with the municipal candidate’s freedom of expression that is guaranteed under s. The Province’s rationale for moving to a 25-ward structure had been carefully considered and rejected by the TWBR and by City Council just over a year ago. and in particular her right to cast a vote that can result in effective representation. and giving the Minister the benefit of the doubt that he understood that the primary concern is not voter parity but effective representation. six wards had populations ranging from 70.  The City Clerk may not feel confident about a 47-ward election but she is not saying that the hurdles are insurmountable. 2(b) of the Charter as found above cannot be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society and cannot be saved as reasonable limits under s.000) why not deal with these six wards specifically? Why impose a solution (increasing all ward sizes to 111. I must assume that the City has considered the attendant logistical challenges and has concluded that an October 22 election based on the 47-ward structure can indeed be achieved in the short time that remains.000 to 111.  I find that the reduction from 47 to 25 in the number of City wards and the corresponding increase in ward-size population from an average of about 61.  I am therefore obliged to find on the evidence before me that the breaches of s. 2(b) of the Charter of Rights. 000 substantially interfered with the municipal voter’s freedom of expression under s.000 to 97. 2018 council meeting that she is not “confident” that the City could now return to the 47- ward structure. why do so in the middle of the City’s election?  Crickets. in terms of achieving effective representation. than the original problem? And. the City itself is asking explicitly for a return to the 47-ward structure and it is entitled to do so. Is it too late to return to the 47-ward structure?  The Province’s final submission is that it’s too late to return to the 47-ward structure.Page 19 -  Dealing with the second objective. again. 1. there is no evidence of minimal impairment. .000) that is far worse. voter parity. 2(b) of the Charter of Rights. .
 I am very much obliged to all counsel for their co-operation and assistance. they may forward brief submissions to my attention. 2(b) cannot be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society and cannot be saved as reasonable limits under s.the City has 47 wards. If the provincial government wishes to enact another Bill 5-type law at some future date to affect future City elections.Page 20 -  I further find on the evidence filed by the parties that these breaches of s.  If the parties cannot agree on costs. Disposition  The applications filed by the City of Toronto. (Signed) Justice Belobaba Justice Edward P.  It follows from this decision that the City’s election on October 22. including any related remedies being sought by the Toronto District School Board with regard to TDSB school board elections and recently enacted provincial regulations. The applicants shall file their costs submissions within 21 days and the Province within 21 days thereafter. it may certainly attempt to do so. Ish Aderonmu and Prabha Khosla (on her own behalf and on behalf of Women Win TO) asking this Court to set aside the Impugned Provisions in Bill 5 that purport to reduce the number of wards from 47 to 25 are granted. Rocco Achampong. 2018 . 1 of the Charter of Rights.  I shall remain seized of this matter to fashion the appropriate draft Order. As things now stand . . Belobaba Date: September 10.  The Impugned Provisions have no force and effect and are set aside immediately. Chris Moise. 2018 shall proceed as scheduled but on the basis of 47 wards and not 25 wards.and until a constitutionally valid provincial law says otherwise .

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