The Loss of Your Rights is Closer Than it Appears

Ontario Citizens:

You should be aware of the Ontario Liberal government's initiative to remove your right to be presumed innocent and your right to a trial for most Highway Traffic Act offences as well as other Provincial statutes. The government envisions this new 'streamlined' approach being administered online because it will make things 'easier' for the public.

Under the Administrative Penalty system being considered by the Ontario Liberal government, you would automatically be deemed guilty at the side of the road in the case of a Highway Traffic Act allegation. The officer's version would be taken as correct and only the amount of monetary penalty can be disputed. Demerit points, insurance increases and license suspensions would remain in effect.

The impact on citizens would remain identical to the current system, except the rights to be presumed innocent and to challenge the allegation(s) would be removed.

An 'independent hearings officer', appointed and compensated by the same municipality collecting the fine, would determine if there is sufficient basis for a reduction in the monetary amount owing. Guilt or innocence would not be under consideration.

This is taken from a proposed addition to the Highway Traffic Act, section 21.1(6):
No right to be heard
(6) There is no right to be heard before an order imposing an administrative penalty is made

In a democratic society, the state is obligated to listen. The enforcement agency cannot be the solitary voice on guilt or innocence. Unless Ontarians speak up and say NO to Administrative Penalties, our rights will be taken. Courts protect citizens from the government.  Eliminating that protection invites abuse.

Section 11(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states:

11.  Any person charged with an offence has the right...

(b) to be tried within a reasonable time

Never is not reasonable.

Please sign this petition, forward it to others and contact your local MPP.

By signing this petition, you are asking the Ontario Liberal government to abandon their plans to implement Administrative Penalties.

Please DO NOT make a donation to support this petition.  change.org does not seem to allow targeting the people of Ontario specifically.  A signature from Alabama is useless.  Thank you.