We celebrate another victory with the ruling of the Alberta Court of Appeal in the case of Pastor Tracy Fortin and the Church in the Vine of Edmonton; in favour of the individual’s right to practice their faith uninhibited.

Pastor Fortin (and her church) was fined a total of $80k for three obstruction convictions under Alberta’s Public Health Act in April of 2022.

At the time, churches were restricted to 15% capacity while other ‘approved’ businesses were void of restrictions, providing social distancing and mask policies were adhered to.

The convictions came after Pastor Fortin (allegedly) prevented a public health officer from entering the church during a religious service, to ‘verify compliance with covid policies’.

Their determination, with support from lawyer James Kitchen and The Democracy Fund (TDF), ended with the acquittal, clearing them of all charges.

Kitchen acknowledged that, although (Fortin) wasn’t arrested like other Pastors we’ve heard about (James Coates, Tim Stephens), “$80,000 is a lot to pay in fines.”

This ruling comes on the heels of another recent ruling declaring certain Alberta public health orders ‘effectively null’, showing that politicians “violated the province’s health act by making decisions regarding covid mandates without authorization.”

This acknowledgement has resulted in many charges being stayed, and the beginning of many convictions being overturned; the only possible and logical consequence remaining, given the evidence that has been exposed.

TDF’s litigation director, Alan Honner, agreed with the prosecution’s decision in conceding the acquittals, stating “An obstruction conviction should not stand where the underlying investigation was based on invalid law”.

Without their strength and determination in the fading hope for success, this case and others would not have succeeded individually or collectively, by setting this precedence for future cases.

We are proud to support these individuals (and their legal teams), to showcase their efforts and successes, because we know that they are turning the tide for all Canadians by strengthening the support for our Charter Rights.