The transcript for this witness testimony is currently in production by our volunteers. It will be available soon here on this page and as a downloadable PDF.

Summary

Paul Jaffe testifies about his experiences as a constitutional lawyer, focusing on two significant cases: the defamation suit involving Barry Neufeld and challenges to COVID-19 restrictions on churches. He explains how he represented Neufeld, a school trustee who faced severe backlash for criticizing a sexual orientation and gender identity program in schools. Jaffe expresses concern about the use of defamation lawsuits to silence dissenting voices and the application of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws in ways that protect powerful interests rather than individual citizens.

Jaffe then discusses his involvement in litigation challenging COVID-19 restrictions, particularly those affecting religious gatherings. He describes the difficulties faced in court, including the inability to cross-examine public health officials or present expert evidence challenging government narratives. Jaffe expresses deep concern about the erosion of constitutional rights and the increasing politicization of the Canadian legal system.

Throughout his testimony, Jaffe emphasizes the importance of fighting back against unjust restrictions and maintaining the rule of law. He discusses the concept of judicial notice and how it has been applied to accept government narratives without sufficient evidence. Jaffe also touches on the challenges faced by professionals who speak out against prevailing narratives, citing examples from various fields.

Jaffe concludes by reflecting on the future of the legal profession and the importance of maintaining independence and impartiality in the judiciary. He encourages citizens to continue fighting for their rights and expresses hope that recent developments, such as the Charles Hoffe case, may signal a shift towards greater scrutiny of government actions in the courts.

Credentials

Paul Jaffe is a highly respected constitutional lawyer with almost four decades of legal experience in Canada. He has been at the forefront of defending civil liberties and challenging government overreach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jaffe has worked extensively with the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, representing clients in high-profile cases related to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and government accountability. His dedication to upholding constitutional rights and his willingness to take on challenging cases have made him a prominent figure in Canadian legal circles.