The Calgary-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms says they plan to bring their fight against Alberta public health orders designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus to other provinces, including British Columbia.

Speaking on the NL Noon Report, lawyer James Kitchen says they intend to argue that orders by the Chief Medical Health Officer violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms – such as the right to peacefully assemble, the right to visit friends and family, the right to freely practice religious beliefs, the right to travel and the right to conduct business and earn a living.

“So the argument from our clients perspective is – you violated our rights and the rights violation, the way you’ve done this, is actually imposing more harm than if you didn’t do it,” he said.

In addition to B.C., Kitchen says the JCCF intends to bring similar charter challenges to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

“B.C. is not number two or three. Alberta was first, Manitoba is probably coming second and then Saskatchewan, Ontario and then B.C, after that,” he said. “It might not be until early January that we’re able to file in British Columbia.”

“It’s not going to be months, but it could be weeks – it could be the new year. We may get something filed by the end of the month. It’s coming in the imminent future but not tomorrow.”

In Alberta, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms is suing the province on behalf of two churches and two individuals.

At a Calgary freedom rally on Saturday, JCCF head John Carpay said the group wants an immediate injunction to stop the public health orders followed by a permanent one.

B.C. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced today that a ban on social gatherings and events in the province will be extended to Jan. 8, 2021.

She says we are starting to see a levelling-off in COVID-19 cases in the most affected areas of the province, but adds measures need to continue to avoid cases and deaths from increasing.