April 22, 2026
OTTAWA – Following advocacy by B’nai Brith Canada and other civil society organizations, Ottawa’s City Council has adopted a bylaw to protect access to vulnerable infrastructure.
“All Canadians must be able to access critical social infrastructure without fear of undue obstruction or interference,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “Across the country during the past several years, demonstrators have used intimidation tactics or even force to prevent people from attending religious services and participating in cultural activities.
“This behaviour is unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of our democracy.”
Before the City Council adopted the measure on Wednesday, B’nai Brith Canada had engaged in support of bylaw throughout its consultation process.
The Ottawa bylaw establishes 50-metre “safe access” zones extending from the entrances to vulnerable infrastructure. The by-law applies to schools, hospitals, houses of worship, community centres, and other institutions designated as vulnerable infrastructure.
Protests within the “safe access” zones would be prohibited under most circumstances.
Critics of the municipality’s bylaw have argued that it violates the Charter. Robertson disagrees.
“Ottawa’s decision upholds the Charter principle that the right to protest is not absolute. This bylaw creates a reasonable limitation that appropriately balances competing rights.”
B’nai Brith Canada has backed similar proposals in other cities. Its advocacy has contributed to decisions to adopt analogous bylaws in several other municipalities across the country.