The trial for the lawsuit challenging the Ottawa Police Services Board’s restrictive public delegation policies begins today

MEDIA ADVISORY – 20/05/2025

The trial for the lawsuit challenging the Ottawa Police Services Board’s

restrictive public delegation policies begins today

WHAT?

A lawsuit filed in August 2023 against the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) by a group of City of Ottawa residents will be heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice this week after the Board was unsuccessful in having the residents’ case dismissed and mediation between the parties to resolve the matter failed.

WHY?

The lawsuit was filed after the OPSB enacted and enforced policies that restrict participation at their public meetings, including requiring delegates to submit their full remarks prior to board meetings that they are not allowed to deviate from during their presentations. The applicants argue that such policies have the effect of limiting the participation of Ottawa residents living on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory during OPSB meetings. The Board’s mandate is to ensure adequate and effective policing in Ottawa by providing oversight to the Ottawa Police Service.

WHO?
The Browne et al v Ottawa Police Services Board lawsuit hearings will include testimony from Robin Browne of the 613-819 Black Hub and Jeffrey Bradley of the Criminalization and Punishment Education Project (CPEP), as well as other members of the community challenging the OPSB’s restrictive public delegation policies that they argue violate freedom of expression rights under section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

WHEN?

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

9:30am

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

9:30am

Thursday, May 22, 2025

9:30am

WHERE?

In person:

Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Ottawa Courthouse

161 Elgin Street