Ottawa - Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed the fears of many Canadians yesterday when he cancelled funding to the Court Challenges Program, says Omar Alghabra, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale. During the last election, the Conservative leader said that because the courts are stacked with so-called "liberal" judges, the judicial branch would act as a check on him if he were to become Prime Minister. Yesterday, Stephen Harper made a decision that would ensure the Supreme Court played a lesser role in checking his authority.

"By cancelling the Court Challenges Program, the Prime Minister is making sure that the courts' role in testing government action against minorities is diminished," said Omar Alghabra.

The $5.6 million a year Court Challenges Program provided financial assistance for important court cases that advance language and equality rights that are guaranteed under Canada’s Constitution. This program provided Canadians with the means to test laws or legislation that may otherwise go untested. "The Court Challenges Program has provided opportunities to groups who may not have been able to afford to appeal to the judicial branch on their own. This program enhances our laws and ensures inclusivity and equality," said Omar Alghabra. 

It appears that this Prime Minister and his caucus members continue to demonstrate their disdain for groups whom they perceive do not vote Conservative, and will do whatever it takes to undermine their voices.

The Court Challenges Program has a small budget relative to other programs, but offers significant social and legal value to Canadians. Issues such as Security Certificates and wearing kirpans to school are prime examples of cases that have been brought before the Supreme Court thanks to the Court Challenges Program.