Thanks for Funding "Leave to Appeal" Application:

Thanks to the amazing support of over 1400 contributors, we have raised enough money over the past five years (about $300,000 in total!) to file the Charter Challenge for Fair Voting, have it heard in the Ontario Superior Court, have our appeal heard in the Ontario Court of Appeal, and file a Leave to Appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada if the appeal judgment goes against us (we anticipate hearing about that judgment early in 2025, so will have to file our response in spring or early summer 2025).

Clock Ticking (Soon):

Whether we actually get to present and argue our case in front of the Supreme Court depends on what they decide about the Leave to Appeal application from whoever loses at the current appeal stage. But once they decide, a clock starts ticking - if we're the party seeking leave, we'll have 30 days to submit our Notice of Appeal, and another 60 days to file the appeal argument, and it will cost about $35,000 to do these things (if the government is seeking leave, we'll have to respond in any case with our own argument). Either way, it will cost a further $25,000 to actually get ready to appear in court, including interacting with potential interveners in the case (other organizations that make "friend of the court" submissions that help clarify the issues involved).

Getting Ready:

We want to be completely ready to go if the Supreme Court decides to allow an appeal, and that means knowing that we have the financial backing to proceed, but we don't want our supporters to have to contribute before we know for sure if the Supreme Court will hear an appeal. That's why we're running a pledge campaign instead of asking you for money now.

Pledge Your Support for Phase 1 - Filing Appeal:

So, to support us in Phase 1 if the Supreme Court says they'll hear an appeal, simply fill out the pledge form below. We'll only ask you to make good on your pledge if the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, so you won't need to make a payment today, and you'll have a chance to change your mind later, but it will really encourage us (and let us put our full attention towards preparing the case) if you let us know now that we have your backing. If you'd also like to pledge to support us in Phase 2 (actually appearing before the SCC, likely in 2026), please click here as well.

"When Will You Want My Money?"

When the SCC issues its decision about hearing an appeal (likely in fall 2025), and if it's favourable, we'll email all Phase 1 pledgers and ask them to make their contribution so that we can get right to work. In the meantime, please consider supporting our ongoing work by contributing to our "Operating and Future Initiatives" Fund.