Randy Hillier, MPP (Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington) has introduced a motion in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to amend Canada’s Constitution, embedding property rights for Ontarians within the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canada’s constitution contains no provision protecting citizens, in any province, against financially ruinous, uncompensated, restrictions on the use of their property. This leaves Ontario residents with no constitutional protection from seizure of property or unjust treatment. The Canadian Bill of Rights, 1960, makes explicit mention of the right of the individual to life, liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law, but the Bill of Rights is a federal statute, not binding upon any province.
If it is passed in conjunction with an identical motion in the House of Commons, this motion would entrench property rights alongside the rights to Life, Liberty, and Security of the Person currently afforded all citizens of Canada under Sec. 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
To read a copy of the resolution visit the Ontario Legislature’s website.
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