Justice previously said it’s up to province, not court, to escalate enforcement

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The chief justice of British Columbia’s Supreme Court has denied an application from the province for an injunction against three Fraser Valley churches flouting COVID-19 rules that prohibit in-person services.

In a brief hearing Wednesday morning, Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson said he had dismissed the application by B.C.’s attorney general and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, which came after the churches filed a petition challenging the restrictions, arguing they violate parishioners’ rights and freedoms.

Hinson declined to read his reasons in court, but said they would be posted later this morning.

The chief justice told a hearing last week the provincial government is putting the court in an “impossible position” by asking for an injunction before the petition is heard.

He said health orders already prohibit in-person religious services and it’s in Henry’s and the province’s powers to escalate enforcement.

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