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SCC won't review Ontario's anti-squeegee law

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CTV Toronto: Chris Eby covers the squeegee ruling
CTV Toronto: Law justified in name of public safety
CTV Toronto: Panhandler conviction will stand

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. Aug. 23 2007 11:43 AM ET

The Supreme Court of Canada won't review an Ontario anti-squeegee law meant to prevent aggressive panhandling.

In a decision released Thursday without comment, the SCC denied leave to appeal to 11 homeless men convicted for offering to wash car windshields for money under the Safe Streets Act.

Lawyers for the men had claimed that the legislation violated their clients' rights to freedom of expression, fundamental justice and equal treatment before the law.

In previous rulings, a trial judge and the provincial appeal court agreed that the law did infringe on individual liberties.

However, both rulings said the infringement was justified because it was in the interests of public safety.

The SCC's decision now means that the legislation, brought in by Mike Harris' former Conservative government, will stand.

At the time, the legislation was sponsored by Jim Flaherty, then Harris' attorney general. Flaherty now serves as finance minister in the federal Conservative government.

With files from The Canadian Press

Please Add Comments( )

AB
said
0 0

This is a great ruling. Cause if they collect money, then they should be taxed on it. I am everyday at work. I provide a service, I get paid and pay taxes. Why should people who squeegee be any different??


John Carter
said
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This is great. Now maybe more action will be taken against the aggressive pan-handlers found everywhere throughout downtown Toronto. Their presence and actions do not serve the interests of Toronto and the respectable people who live and work there. I'm sure they have a negative impact on our tourist industry as well.

Doug
said
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This is a good common sense ruling. I am a 53 year old male and I find it intinidating to have persons trying to wash my windscreen when stopping at lights. Thank you for trying to protect ordinary hard working individuals.


Bob
said
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I grew up in the west end and worked downtown until 1988 when my job moved. I had no problems walking from Union Station up to Queen and Yonge. Now, I never go anywhere in Toronto. The downtown is filthy and you get harassed by street people wherever you walk. I have not been there for over 3 years and don't intend to ever go back.


Paul
said
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Right ruling, wrong reasons behind it. Government has the right to regulate commerce for the good of the public, so outlawing aggressive panhandling is in no more an infringe on individual liberties than any of the millions of restrictions and regulations any business has to conform to. Second, the idea that it's ok to set aside liberties for the sake of some poorly defined concept of 'public safety' opens the door to all kinds of abuse of our freedoms by the courts.


Daniel Little
said
0 0

Excellent! Although I'm sure in media reporting on this, it will seem as though the entire country is aghast at the decision, you can bet the average Canadian is applauding it! Now if they'd only do something about those people who stuff things under my wipers in the parking lots.


Dave
said
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I can't believe this came from our Supreme Court?? This is the most reasonable and responsible ruling that's come out of them years. Is it possible this group has just taken a step toward common sense????


G
said
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While I totally agree with the SCC ruling I am still apalled that average Canadians don't understand the plight of the disadvantaged. There still needs to be real work done to assist those who cant help themselves. Until we resolve the underpinning issues behind the real social problems, issues like pandhandling will continue...they will just change the product. It's time Canadians dont just think of themselves but of those less fortunate.


Gregory Boudreau
said
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Great, now if we could get the same law here in Nova Scotia....we have the same problem, but nobody seems to want to do anything about it.


KDC
said
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If you were to take the time to think about why people are in this position (having to squeegee for food, money etc) you would start to address the real underlying problems of chronic unemployment or underemployment in this country.

Greg
said
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To add to KDC's comments...its not like the squeegie kids arent trying to 'earn' some money to support themselves...its not like they're lazy watching tv/playing video games...we need to resolve the underlying problems...and then we can get these obviously 'trying' Canadians into more employable jobs.


David
said
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There are pages and pages of help wanted ads in the newspaper and online. Unfortunately most employers do not allow their employees to drink and use drugs at work. Giving panhandlers money is a very cruel deed.


Craig harris
said
0 0

Excellent! I used to live in Toronto and they were always very aggressive. I agree with an earlier comment that suggests we have to do more to aid the homeless and underprivileged. With that being said, there are many who won't except help, which makes this ruling even better.


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