1-on-1: Why CCLA thinks Ontario’s bubble zones are about to pop

Doug Dynasty

Brought to you by Toronto Pearson

ABOVE THE FOLD

BUBBLE TROUBLE — Ontario cities are tripping over themselves to outlaw public protest — and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association has had enough. In a blistering new legal challenge, the CCLA takes aim at Vaughan’s 100-metre no-protest zones, calling them the most aggressive curb on free expression in the province.

The bylaw was introduced by none other than Vaughan Mayor STEVEN DEL DUCA (yes, the former provincial Liberal leader and cabinet minister) after pro-Palestinian protests near synagogues drew media attention, adding another twist to his already complicated Queen’s Park legacy.

I went one-on-one with the CCLA’s Charter whisperer, director of fundamental freedoms ANAÏS BUSSIÈRES McNICOLL, to find out why this case could blow the doors off every bubble zone bylaw from Toronto to Ottawa — and why Queen’s Park might not stay on the sidelines for long.

You’ve launched a challenge specifically against Vaughan’s bylaw. What makes it …