CCCC an Intervenor in the Christian Horizons Case
January 29, 2009
The Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) is an intervenor in the Christian Horizons case. A summary of steps taken to date in this matter are as follows.
CCCC filed its factum and arguments with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in January 2009.
On December 22, 2008 CCCC was granted Intervenor Status in the Christian Horizons appeal of the April 15, 2008 Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario decision Heintz v. Christian Horizons.
Mr. Justice David Aston heard the application on December 15, 2008. He approved our application on the basis of CCCC being a friend of the court who could bring a unique perspective that may help the court interpret section 24(1)(a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Justice Aston also determined that if the court hearing the appeal is willing, CCCC may bring forward Charter issues.
CCCC will be one of four intervenors. Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops (OCCB) are also intervening in support of Christian Horizons, while EGALE is intervening in support of Heintz and the Commission.
The actual Appeal (including submissions from intervenors) is expected to be heard in the Ontario Divisional Court in April or May 2009 at the very earliest.
Further background information on why this decision is significant and of concern is available in Issue 4, 2008 of the CCCC Bulletin.
