In a major victory for PSAC members and labour rights, all tickets issued to members and staff during the 2023 national strike have been dismissed or withdrawn. Not a single fine or penalty was imposed, underscoring PSAC’s commitment to defending members’ rights and protecting fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. 

“This decision is a powerful vindication of our members’ rights, and a clear rejection of intimidation tactics meant to stamp out collective action,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. “It reinforces the critical role unions play in safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of workers and ensuring fairness and justice for all workers.”

In April 2023, more than 155,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada members working for Treasury Board and the Canada Revenue Agency went on strike, setting up picket lines across the country. By-law officers and police targeted striking members and supporters with eight tickets totaling over $4,000 in fines.

The tickets included penalties for honking in solidarity and setting up canopies to shelter workers. In one blatant example of overreach, an activist was ticketed for grilling hot dogs outside the Prime Minister’s Office to feed striking members, even though the setup wasn’t blocking pedestrian access to the sidewalk. 

PSAC fought back, arguing they violated fundamental rights protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Ontario Court of Justice dismissed four tickets, and the remaining four were withdrawn by prosecutors.