Waterloo Encampments Case Media

Warning

Media coverage shortly after the decision was released grossly distorted the implications of the decision by failing to explain that Justice Gibson's decision, at the request of the Region for guidance on its constitutional obligation, provided a reasonable means for the Region to obtain vacant possession of the site for "construction staging of a nearby transit hub." It simply required the provision of an alternative site and a tenting protocol.

Instead, early coverage by CBC and other media quoted Premier Ford's personal attack on Justice Gibson proposing that his address be disclosed so that people could unlawfully camp on his property - a possible indictable offence under Criminal Code section 423.1, prohibiting the intimidation of a justice system participant, and certainly a gross violation of the principle of judicial independence. Any responsible media coverage of Premier Ford's remarks should, at a minimum, have included expert commentary from legal experts to explain this context and limit their possible damage. Encampment residents have experienced an increased number of threats of violence since Premier Ford's comments misrepresenting the effects of their court action.

See: Lawyers Involved in the Hearing Write to AG Downey Regarding Premier's Comments.