A Nova Scotia provincial court judge has launched a $5 million lawsuit against Chief Judge Pamela Williams and the province of Nova Scotia.

Judge Rickcola Brinton has filed a lawsuit with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court for damages resulting from ‘violations of the principles of judicial independence and impartiality’ as well as ‘violations of her medical privacy’.

In September 2021 Williams sent an email, asking staff to divulge their vaccination status. Brinton refused, sharing concerns over medical privacy, and stating it was “a matter of conscience and a result of prayerful contemplation.” She offered regular testing as a suitable alternative; an offer that was flatly refused. It was then proposed that she could preside from home, with in-house cases picked up by other judges; no one agreed to support this option.

In December Brinton wrote that she had been advised to take a 4–6-week medical leave. She did not receive a reply until February when Williams said she would not approve disability leave unless provided with “evidence of a disability”. Williams then contacted Brinton’s physician directly in an attempt to obtain her medical information. Fortunately, her doctor did not disclose any details.

Finally, Williams confirmed that Brinton was to be suspended with the ‘matter’ referred to the judicial council.

The lawsuit declares Williams’ actions to be “malicious, oppressive and high-handed” and the entire circumstance a “violation of principles of judicial independence and judicial impartiality as well as violations to her rights to medical privacy”.

This is a familiar scenario, with similar heavy-handed responses from many employers and unions. This case could go far in supporting our efforts toward accountability for violations of our freedoms of conscience, choice, bodily autonomy, and religion.

We will not stand down until these egregious violations are acknowledged. We know that much of our judiciary has been corrupted by political views, but many continue to fight. Until every possible argument has been quashed, we will continue to stand with and support all who fight to uphold our Rights and Freedoms.