The Democracy Fund (TDF) said an Ontario court has denied the reopening applications for two married Amish couples slapped with Quarantine Act tickets. Each couple faces fines of about $7,000 per COVID-19 ticket, totalling about $28,000 in penalties, according to a Monday press release. Amish community members in Grey County, ON, were convicted in absentia of various COVID-19 charges. TDF confirmed it was representing about 27 people who are collectively facing $300,000 in fines for allegedly failing to complete the ArriveCan app and other related violations. Living in accordance with strict religious beliefs, Amish people do not use modern conveniences such as electricity, making compliance with the ArriveCan app almost impossible. TDF said liens have been placed on their properties, posing a significant threat to their livelihoods and way of life.It said its lawyers are reviewing the court’s decision to determine whether or not there are grounds for appeal. Despite this setback, it has reopened tickets for multiple Amish clients. This allows the clients to receive a notice of trial and to set trial dates. For other Amish files where tickets were reopened, it said its legal team will review disclosure, engage with Crown attorneys, and proceed to trial if necessary. It pointed out the goal is to have these tickets stayed, withdrawn, or otherwise resolved. It said the fight is far from over. This is because it is aware of additional Amish clients in need of support and is investigating reports of similar impacts on other communities facing liens and fines.TDF concluded by saying donations help it fight for the constitutional rights of Canadians and make its vital work possible. TDF said in September it had discovered Amish community members in Grey County were convicted for various COVID-19 charges..Civil liberties group steps up to support Ontario Amish community hit with COVID fines.During the COVID-19 pandemic, it said 74 Amish community members were fined almost $300,000 for failing to take actions such as filling out the ArriveCan app. “These are people who, due to their faith, do not use modern technology,” said TDF senior litigation counsel Adam Blake-Gallipeau.
