I am excited to share some good news with you about another New Blue legal victory!

As you may recall, just months prior to the 2022 provincial election, Waterloo's Regional Council passed a "bylaw" declaring a ban on election campaign signs from regional roads. 

As a result of this bylaw and complaints from the Cambridge PC campaign manager (who didn't even live in the riding), our local New Blue campaign offices were visited by police more than once during the election campaign, and New Blue lawn signs were confiscated - some by the region and some by political partisans.

There was a similar strain put on other New Blue campaigns across Ontario where election sign bans have also been imposed by local councils.

So, in December, Jim - in his capacity as a lawyer - announced that he would be asking that the Ontario Superior Court challenge this bylaw!  Click here to read our email announcement.

After one court appearance and two pre-trial meetings, the prosecution decided to drop the charges against Jim and I, leaving the Waterloo bylaw without teeth as a law that is not being enforced!  Click here to read about it!

While we still hope to challenge the constitutionality of these bylaws, Jim's victory in having the charges dropped is a significant win for grassroots democracy and free expression in Ontario.

A ban on election signs is unjust and undemocratic.  It only helps the establishment by making it harder for new parties and independent candidates to campaign and raise public awareness.

Even worse, these election sign bans are likely unconstitutional (and thus illegal) based on previous decisions of our courts.

By challenging these unjust bylaws, Jim has once again demonstrated his commitment to fighting injustice in Ontario politics.

What's more, it seems that our court initiative led the way - as shortly after our December announcement, an advocacy group announced they were going to challenge a campaign sign bylaw in Brampton as well!

With more and more groups following the New Blue Party's lead, we continue to lead in challenging the establishment, balancing the narrative, and changing the course.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the future!

Belinda Karahalios
New Blue Party of Ontario