Introduction: A Victory for Religious Freedom and Fairness
In a landmark victory, a group of Amish families in Ontario has successfully challenged the Canadian government, overturning nearly $300,000 in COVID-related fines imposed for their refusal to use the ArriveCAN app—a digital tool their religious beliefs prohibit them from using. This legal win, supported by The Democracy Fund (TDF), highlights the clash between modern mandates and traditional lifestyles, raising questions about government overreach during the pandemic.
The Struggle of Ontario’s Amish Community
The Amish families, who rely on horse-drawn buggies and live without electricity, faced severe penalties during the COVID-19 pandemic for not using the ArriveCAN app while crossing the U.S.-Canada border. The app, mandated by the Canadian government, required travelers to submit health information digitally—a task impossible for a community that shuns modern technology due to deeply held religious beliefs.
Unable to comply, the families were slapped with fines totaling nearly $300,000. When they couldn’t pay, the government placed liens on their farms, threatening their generational land and livelihoods. According to Rebel News, many of these families have sick and disabled children, making their traditional farming practices even more critical for survival.
Legal Intervention by The Democracy Fund
The turning point came when The Democracy Fund (TDF) stepped in to represent the Amish families. In early February 2025, TDF successfully reopened the cases, leading to a decisive legal victory where the Crown withdrew all Quarantine Act fines against the families. This win lifted the liens on their properties, allowing them to secure loans and continue their farming operations.
“This is a victory for fairness,” said Adam Blake-Gallipeau, Senior Litigation Counsel at TDF, who represented the Amish families in court. “These families should never have been put in a position where their land and livelihoods were threatened. The Elders in the Amish community are deeply grateful for the support from TDF donors and the wider Canadian community.”
Ongoing Advocacy for Constitutional Rights
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to defending constitutional rights, promoting education, and supporting those impacted by government policies. The organization continues to advocate for other Amish clients still facing legal battles due to pandemic-era mandates, standing firm against what they describe as government overreach and the erosion of constitutional rights.
The case has also sparked broader discussions about the balance between public health measures and individual freedoms, especially for communities like the Amish who live outside the digital norm. As one user on X noted, the situation was seen as a targeted action against a vulnerable group, highlighting the need for more equitable policies (Source).
🚨#BREAKING: The Amish have won a lawsuit against the Canadian government for targeting the Amish with $300k in fines for "not using a COVID-19 app" while crossing the US border.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) April 30, 2025
The Amish said they don't use phones.
So the Canadian government then put LIENS ON THEIR FARMS!!! pic.twitter.com/ysS3PNM7z7
An Interesting Fact About Canada
Did you know that Canada shares the world’s longest undefended border with the United States, stretching 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles)? This border, often called the International Boundary, has been a symbol of peace since the Treaty of Paris in 1783—though, as this case shows, cross-border policies can still create significant challenges for communities like the Amish.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Justice
The legal victory for Ontario’s Amish families is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting religious freedoms and ensuring fairness in government policies. While this win has restored stability for some, TDF’s ongoing efforts signal that the fight for justice is far from over. For those interested in supporting similar causes, consider learning more about TDF’s work or exploring related stories on Planet-Today.com.
Author: Planet-Today.com