R. v. Banks

R. v. Banks involved a constitutional challenge to Ontario legislation that prohibited begging and panhandling in certain circumstances and banned “squeegeeing” on the streets.

The eleven Appellants had each been charged and convicted under these provisions of the Highway Traffic Act and Safe Streets Act. On appeal, the Appellants argued that the Province did not have the constitutional authority to create this legislation and that the legislation unjustifiably violated their rights to equality, liberty and freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the Ontario Court of Appeal disagreed and upheld the Appellants’ convictions.

The Intervenor, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, was represented by Frank Addario and Vanora Simpson.

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