BCCLA challenges Oath of Allegiance in Alberta appeal case

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) will be appearing at an appeal hearing for a court case in Alberta at the end of October.

On October 31st, the BCCLA will present oral arguments as an intervener at the Alberta Court of Appeal hearing of Wirring v The Law Society of Alberta in Edmonton. 

According to the association, the case considers the constitutionality of the Law Society of Alberta’s mandatory Oath of Allegiance. 

In Alberta, prospective lawyers must swear or affirm an Oath of Allegiance to the sovereign of Canada to be called to the bar, a requirement being debated in Wirring v The Law Society of Alberta.

The case focuses on Prabjot Singh Wirring, a devout Amritdhari Sikh who brought a case arguing that the requirement of the Oath violates his right to religious freedom under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

In conclusion to the case, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench disagreed and ruled that the Oath was symbolic rather than literal. The case on October 31st is Wirring appealing the decision.

When presenting their arguments at the appeal hearing, the BCCLA intends to argue that the right to religious freedom should be considered from the viewpoint of both individuals and groups. 

According to the BCCLA, multiculturalism should be promoted and supported by courts in Canada, ‘removing barriers to participation in society, including the practice of law.’