In 2020, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government passed Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act— widely known as the province’s “ag-gag” law. Such laws are designed to limit free expression by criminalizing whistleblowing and undercover investigations, both of which are critical for exposing abuses in the agricultural sector.
Animal Alliance of Canada has been actively involved in challenging this legislation as unconstitutional. We intervened in the court cases before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal, arguing that the law targets expression — not trespass — and undermines transparency in industries that depend on public trust.
You can read our written arguments submitted to the court:
- Ontario Superior Court of Justice Factum (September 1, 2023)
- Court of Appeal of Ontario Factum (March 7, 2025)
The Issue
During the Covid-19 pandemic, while citizens were distracted with other matters, the Doug Ford government pushed through their ag-gag legislation with as little discussion as possible. The public was given little time to submit complaints about the Bill, or register to provide delegations. Those of us who care about farmed animals, as well as the human workers, had a narrow window to submit comments to the Standing Committee on General Government.
Ag-Gag laws are contrary to free speech as they criminalize the respected practice of undercover investigation. Undercover investigations are necessary to expose abuses. These investigations have been carried out by advocates and journalists alike. Ag-Gag laws focus on the agricultural sector and only protect the owners of farm businesses. They do not protect the general public, farm workers or farmed animals. In fact, human workers and farmed animals are at greater risk when whistleblowers are subject to harsh laws and penalties.
Disappointing Update: Court of Appeal Overturns Lower Court Victory
On June 2, 2026, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the landmark April 2024 decision that had struck down key parts of Ontario’s “ag‑gag” law as unconstitutional. The appeal court reinstated the legislation, which criminalizes whistleblowing and undercover investigations in the agricultural sector.
That lower‑court victory had come in a constitutional challenge brought by Animal Justice, journalist Jessica Scott‑Reid, and animal advocate Louise Jorgensen. Animal Alliance intervened as a supporter in that challenge, arguing that the law targeted expression — including whistleblowing, undercover investigations, and other efforts to expose what happens behind closed doors in the farmed‑animal industry — rather than simply addressing trespass. The Superior Court accepted that argument, finding that key parts of the law violated freedom of expression, reflecting the core position advanced by the applicants and supported by Animal Alliance.
The reversal is deeply disappointing. By reinstating the law, the Court of Appeal has once again shielded powerful industry actors from scrutiny, chilled whistleblowers and journalists, and made it harder for the public to learn about harmful practices affecting farmed animals and workers.
How You Can Help:
This fight for farmed animals is far from over. Please consider making a donation to support Animal Alliance’s ongoing efforts to protect animals and advance transparency and accountability in agriculture. Your support helps ensure that animals continue to have a voice — in the courts, in policy discussions, and in the public conversation. Together, we can strengthen the movement to defend whistleblowers, journalists, and advocates who work to reveal the truth about conditions in the farmed animal industry.
Last Updated: July 10, 2026