Case information
Consult our database for details on a Supreme Court of Canada case.
41801
Durrell Diggs, et al. v. Attorney General of Nova Scotia, et al.
(Nova Scotia) (Civil) (By Leave)
Docket
Judgments on applications for leave to appeal are rendered by the Court, but are not necessarily unanimous.
| Date | Proceeding | Filed By (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-15 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Megan Savard and Julia Kirby will appear before the Court. Megan Savard will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-22) | David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights |
| 2026-09-14 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Pierre E. Hawkins and Max McQuaig will appear before the Court. Pierre E. Hawkins will present oral argument., (Printed version filed on 2026-09-16) | West Coast Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-09-14 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Agnes E. MacNeill, K.C. and Caitlin Menczel-O’Neill will appear before the Court. Agnes E. MacNeill, K.C. will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-21) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-09-10 | Notice of change of counsel, (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2026-09-11) | Canadian Prison Law Association |
| 2026-09-10 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Simon Borys and Kate Mitchell will appear before the Court. Simon Borys will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-17) | Canadian Prison Law Association |
| 2026-09-08 |
Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Saneliso Moyo and Demar Hewitt will appear before the Court. Saneliso Moyo will present oral argument. 2 reserved seats requested, (Printed version filed on 2026-09-09) |
Black Legal Action Centre |
| 2026-09-08 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Jessica Orkin and Amanda Bruce will appear before the Court. Jessica Orkin will present oral argument., (Printed version filed on 2026-09-09) | Canadian Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-09-08 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Johnna Van Parys and Noah Wernikowski will appear before the Court. Johnna Van Parys will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-15) | Attorney General of Saskatchewan |
| 2026-09-08 |
Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Frances Mahon will appear before the Court. Frances Mahon will present oral argument. , (Printed version filed on 2026-09-17) |
British Columbia Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-09-03 |
Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Amy Matychuk, Chris Samuel and Sarah Rankin will appear before the Court. Amy Matychuk will present oral argument. , (Printed version due on 2026-09-11) |
Alberta Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-09-01 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Anusha Aruliah and John Provart will appear before the Court. Anusha Aruliah will present oral argument., (Printed version filed on 2026-09-04) | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2026-08-31 |
Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Paul Quick and Adriel Weaver will appear before the Court. Adriel Weaver will present oral argument. , (Printed version due on 2026-09-08) |
Queen’s Prison Law Clinic |
| 2026-08-28 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Louis-Alexandre Hébert-Gosselin and Marie-Laure Dufour will appear before the Court. Louis-Alexandre Hébert-Gosselin will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-04) | Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec |
| 2026-08-27 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Alison Brown and Freya Zaltz will appear before the Court. Alison Brown will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-03) | Attorney General of British Columbia |
| 2026-08-27 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Allison Fenske and Chanelle Lajoie will appear before the Court. Allison Fenske will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-03) | Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution |
| 2026-08-27 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Michael J. Sims and Shayna Levine-Poch will appear before the Court. Michael J. Sims will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-03) | Attorney General of Ontario |
| 2026-08-27 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Benjamin Perryman, Hanna Garson and Mike Dull, K.C. will appear before the Court. Benjamin Perryman and Hanna Garson will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-03) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-08-26 | Notice of appearance, (Letter Form), Cassandra DeMelo, Anita Szigeti, Carter Martell and Ruby Dhand will appear before the Court. Cassandra DeMelo will present oral argument., (Printed version due on 2026-09-02) | Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition |
| 2026-08-25 | Correspondence (sent by the Court) to, Letter of direction | |
| 2026-08-06 | Order on motion to extend time, by JUSTICE O'BONSAWIN | |
| 2026-08-06 |
Decision on motion to extend time, Ob, UPON APPLICATIONS by David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights and Black Legal Action Centre for an order extending the time to serve and file their intervener factums. AND THE MATERIAL FILED having been read; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: The motions for extension of time are granted. The factums of the interveners David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights and Black Legal Action Centre are accepted for filing. Pursuant to Rule 71(3) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada, the interveners David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights and Black Legal Action Centre are each granted permission to present oral argument, not exceeding five (5) minutes, at the hearing of the appeal. Granted |
|
| 2026-08-06 | Submission of motion to extend time, Ob | |
| 2026-07-21 | Notice of change of counsel, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-07-28) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-07-17 | Reply factum on appeal, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-24, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-20) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-07-17 | Reply factum on appeal, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-24, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-24) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-07-13 | Notice of hearing sent to parties | |
| 2026-07-13 | Appeal hearing scheduled, 2026-10-13 | |
| 2026-07-10 | Response to motion to extend time, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2026-07-13, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-15) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-07-10 | Motion to extend time, (Book Form), to serve and file the intervener's factum, Completed on: 2026-07-13, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-17) | David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights |
| 2026-07-07 | Intervener's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-07) | Black Legal Action Centre |
| 2026-07-07 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-07) | Black Legal Action Centre |
| 2026-07-07 | Motion to extend time, (Book Form), to serve and file the intervener's factum, Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-07) | Black Legal Action Centre |
| 2026-07-03 | Notice of change of counsel, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-07-10) | Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-06) | Canadian Prison Law Association |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-13, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-08) | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-13, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-08) | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-17, (Printed version due on 2026-07-10) | David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights |
| 2026-07-03 |
Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Missing: Amended printed version required (Received on July 15, 2026, Completed on: 2026-07-17, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-17) |
West Coast Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-08, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Queen’s Prison Law Clinic |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Queen’s Prison Law Clinic |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Attorney General of Saskatchewan |
| 2026-07-03 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution |
| 2026-07-03 |
Intervener's factum, (Book Form), MISSING: -Proof of service (Received on July 13, 2026), Incomplete, (Printed version due on 2026-07-10) |
British Columbia Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-07-02 | Intervener's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-13, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-08) | Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec |
| 2026-07-02 |
Intervener's factum, (Book Form), MISSING: -Amended printed version (Received on July 22, 2026), Completed on: 2026-07-24, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-08) |
Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec |
| 2026-07-02 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Alberta Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-07-02 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Canadian Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-07-02 |
Intervener's factum, (Book Form), MISSING: -Proof of service (Received on July 3, 2026), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) |
Attorney General of British Columbia |
| 2026-07-02 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-07, (Printed version filed on 2026-07-03) | Attorney General of Ontario |
| 2026-06-26 | Intervener's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-06-29, (Printed version filed on 2026-06-29) | Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition |
| 2026-06-26 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-07-27, (Printed version filed on 2026-06-26) | Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition |
| 2026-06-16 | Notice of change of counsel, (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2026-06-18) | Queen’s Prison Law Clinic |
| 2026-06-01 | Notice of change of counsel | Attorney General of Saskatchewan |
| 2026-05-22 | Order on motion for leave to intervene, by JUSTICE ROWE | |
| 2026-05-22 |
Decision on the motion for leave to intervene, Row, UPON APPLICATIONS by the Attorney General of Canada, the Attorney General of Ontario, the Attorney General of Saskatchewan, the Attorney General of British Columbia, Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition, Association des avocats.es carcéralistes du Québec, British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, Canadian Prison Law Association, Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, Pivot Legal Society, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, Alberta Prison Justice Society, Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution, West Coast Prison Justice Society and Black Legal Action Centre for leave to intervene in the above appeal; AND UPON APPLICATION by the Nova Scotia Health Authority for an order extending the time to serve and file its response to the motions for leave to intervene; AND THE MATERIAL FILED having been read; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: The motion for an extension of time filed by Nova Scotia Health Authority is granted. The motion for leave to intervene filed by Pivot Legal Society is dismissed. The motions for leave to intervene by the Attorney General of Canada; the Attorney General of Ontario, the Attorney General of Saskatchewan, the Attorney General of British Columbia, Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition, Association des avocats.es carcéralistes du Québec, British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, Canadian Prison Law Association, Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, Alberta Prison Justice Society, Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution, West Coast Prison Justice Society and Black Legal Action Centre are granted, and the fifteen (15) interveners shall each be entitled to serve and file a factum not to exceed ten (10) pages in length and book of authorities, if any, on or before July 3, 2026, with the exception of the Attorney General of Canada, who shall be entitled to serve and file a factum not to exceed twenty (20) pages. The Attorney General of Canada, the Attorney General of Ontario, the Attorney General of Saskatchewan and the Attorney General of British Columbia are each granted permission to present oral argument not exceeding ten (10) minutes at the hearing of the appeal. The remaining eleven (11) interveners are each granted permission to present oral argument not exceeding five (5) minutes at the hearing of the appeal. The appellants and respondent, Attorney General of Nova Scotia, are each granted permission to serve and file a single factum in reply to all interventions not to exceed ten (10) pages in length on or before July 17, 2026. The interveners are not entitled to express a position on the disposition of the appeal, to raise new issues, to adduce further evidence or otherwise to supplement the record of the parties. The interveners are not permitted to advance submissions that duplicate those of the other parties. Pursuant to Rule 59(1)(a) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada, the interveners shall pay to the appellants and the respondents any additional disbursements resulting from their respective interventions. Judgment accordingly |
|
| 2026-05-22 | Decision on motion to extend time, See decision for the motions for leave to intervene, Row | |
| 2026-05-22 | Submission of motion to extend time, Row | |
| 2026-05-22 | Submission of motion for leave to intervene, Row | |
| 2026-04-27 | Appeal perfected for hearing | |
| 2026-04-27 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Letter Form), 23A, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-28) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-04-27 | Certificate of counsel (attesting to record), (Letter Form), 24B, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-28) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-04-27 | Respondent's record, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-04-29, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-28) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-04-27 | Respondent's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-04-29, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-28) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-04-20 | Correspondence received from, (Letter Form), the respondent (no position on the appeal), (Printed version due on 2026-04-27) | Nova Scotia Health Authority |
| 2026-04-15 | Motion to extend time, (Book Form), to serve and file the response on the motions for leave to intervene, Completed on: 2026-04-16, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-16) | Nova Scotia Health Authority |
| 2026-04-13 |
Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Missing: - Motion for ext. of time (Rec'd 2026-04-15), Completed on: 2026-04-16, (Printed version due on 2026-04-20) |
Nova Scotia Health Authority |
| 2026-04-09 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2026-04-16, (Printed version due on 2026-04-16) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-03-31 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2026-04-01, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-01) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2026-04-20) | British Columbia Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-03-30 |
Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Missing: - Proof of service (Rec'd 2026-04-01), Completed on: 2026-04-02, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-20) |
British Columbia Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2026-03-31) | Black Legal Action Centre |
| 2026-03-30 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-31, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-31) | Black Legal Action Centre |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2026-04-08) | West Coast Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-03-30 |
Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Missing: - Proof of service (Rec'd 2026-04-01), Completed on: 2026-04-02, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-08) |
West Coast Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-04-08) | Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution |
| 2026-03-30 |
Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Missing: - Proof of service (Rec'd 2026-04-08), Completed on: 2026-04-08, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-30) |
Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution |
| 2026-03-30 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-31, (Printed version filed on 2026-04-02) | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-04-08) | Alberta Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-03-30 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-31, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-30) | Alberta Prison Justice Society |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-04-08) | Canadian Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-03-30 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-31, (Printed version due on 2026-04-08) | Canadian Civil Liberties Association |
| 2026-03-30 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2026-03-31) | David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights |
| 2026-03-30 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-31, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-31) | David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights |
| 2026-03-27 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-04-07) | Pivot Legal Society |
| 2026-03-27 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-31, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-30) | Pivot Legal Society |
| 2026-03-27 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Printed version due on 2026-04-07) | Canadian Prison Law Association |
| 2026-03-27 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-30) | Canadian Prison Law Association |
| 2026-03-27 | Notice of name | Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition |
| 2026-03-27 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-30) | Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition |
| 2026-03-27 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-30) | Attorney General of Ontario |
| 2026-03-26 | Notice of name | Queen’s Prison Law Clinic |
| 2026-03-26 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-26) | Queen’s Prison Law Clinic |
| 2026-03-26 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-27) | Attorney General of Saskatchewan |
| 2026-03-26 | Notice of name | Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec |
| 2026-03-26 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Electronic version filed on 2026-04-01) | Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec |
| 2026-03-25 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-30, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-26) | Attorney General of British Columbia |
| 2026-03-02 | Certificate of counsel (attesting to record), (Letter Form), 24, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-02) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-03-02 | Appellant's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-04, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-02) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-03-02 | Appellant's record, (Book Form), (6 volumes), Completed on: 2026-03-04, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-02) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-03-02 | Appellant's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2026-03-04, (Printed version filed on 2026-03-02) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2026-01-22 | Notice of change of counsel, (Letter Form), Amended version Rec'd 2026-01-23, (Printed version due on 2026-01-29) | Nova Scotia Health Authority |
| 2026-01-20 | Notice of change of counsel, (Letter Form), Notice of change of agent , (Electronic version due on 2026-01-27) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2026-01-05 | Notice of appeal, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2026-01-05, (Printed version filed on 2026-01-06) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2025-12-04 | Copy of formal judgment sent to Registrar of the Court of Appeal and all parties | |
| 2025-12-04 | Judgment on leave sent to the parties | |
| 2025-12-04 |
Judgment of the Court on the application for leave to appeal, The application for leave to appeal from the judgment of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Numbers CA 532261 and CA 532264, 2025 NSCA 20, dated March 13, 2025, is granted. Granted |
|
| 2025-10-27 | All materials on application for leave submitted to the Judges, for consideration by the Court | |
| 2025-06-19 |
Applicant's reply to respondent's argument, (Book Form), Missing: -Proof of service (Received June 23, 2025) , Completed on: 2025-06-23, (Printed version filed on 2025-06-20) |
Durrell Diggs |
| 2025-06-10 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Letter Form), 23A, (Printed version filed on 2025-06-11) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2025-06-10 | Respondent's response on the application for leave to appeal, (Book Form), Completed on: 2025-06-10, (Printed version filed on 2025-06-11) | Attorney General of Nova Scotia |
| 2025-06-02 | Correspondence received from, Amendments | Durrell Diggs |
| 2025-05-23 |
Lower court order - e-filing, (Letter Form), CA Order of Durrell Diggs MISSING : -Proof of service (Rec'd 2025-05-29), (Printed version filed on 2025-05-26) |
Durrell Diggs |
| 2025-05-16 | Respondent's response on the application for leave to appeal, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2025-05-20, (Printed version due on 2025-05-26) | Nova Scotia Health Authority |
| 2025-05-12 | Letter acknowledging receipt of an incomplete application for leave to appeal, FILE OPENED | |
| 2025-05-09 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Letter Form), Form 23A, (Printed version filed on 2025-05-09) | Durrell Diggs |
| 2025-05-09 |
Application for leave to appeal, (Book Form), Amended version received 06-02-2025 Missing: - Proof of service (Rec'd 2025-05-12), Completed on: 2025-05-12, (Printed version filed on 2025-06-02) |
Durrell Diggs |
Parties
Please note that in the case of closed files, the “Status” column reflects the status of the parties at the time of the proceedings. For more information about the proceedings and about the dates when the file was open, please consult the docket of the case in question.
Main parties
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Diggs, Durrell | Appellant | Active |
v.
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General of Nova Scotia | Respondent | Active |
And Between
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wilband, Ryan Taylor | Appellant | Active |
v.
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General of Nova Scotia | Respondent | Active |
Other parties
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General of Canada | Intervener | Active |
| Attorney General of Ontario | Intervener | Active |
| Attorney General of British Columbia | Intervener | Active |
| Attorney General of Saskatchewan | Intervener | Active |
| Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition | Intervener | Active |
| Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec | Intervener | Active |
| Queen’s Prison Law Clinic | Intervener | Active |
| Canadian Prison Law Association | Intervener | Active |
| David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights | Intervener | Active |
| Canadian Civil Liberties Association | Intervener | Active |
| Alberta Prison Justice Society | Intervener | Active |
| Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution | Intervener | Active |
| West Coast Prison Justice Society | Intervener | Active |
| Black Legal Action Centre | Intervener | Active |
| British Columbia Civil Liberties Association | Intervener | Active |
Counsel
Party: Diggs, Durrell
Counsel
Names
Benjamin Perryman
Hanna Garson
Michael Dull, K.C.
Hanna Garson
Michael Dull, K.C.
Contact information
PATH Legal
85 Queen Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 1G7
Telephone: (902) 293-0479
Email: ben@benjaminperryman.com
85 Queen Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 1G7
Telephone: (902) 293-0479
Email: ben@benjaminperryman.com
Agent
Name
Marie-France Major
Contact information
Supreme Advocacy LLP
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
Party: Wilband, Ryan Taylor
Counsel
Names
Benjamin Perryman
Hanna Garson
Michael Dull, K.C.
Hanna Garson
Michael Dull, K.C.
Contact information
PATH Legal
85 Queen Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 1G7
Telephone: (902) 293-0479
Email: ben@benjaminperryman.com
85 Queen Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 1G7
Telephone: (902) 293-0479
Email: ben@benjaminperryman.com
Agent
Name
Marie-France Major
Contact information
Supreme Advocacy LLP
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
Party: Attorney General of Nova Scotia
Counsel
Names
Agnes E. MacNeil, K.C.
Andrew Hill
Caitlin Menczel-O'Neill
Andrew Hill
Caitlin Menczel-O'Neill
Contact information
Attorney General of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Department of Justice
1690 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 1V7
Telephone: (902) 229-6313
FAX: (902) 424-1730
Email: agnes.macneil@novascotia.ca
Nova Scotia Department of Justice
1690 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 1V7
Telephone: (902) 229-6313
FAX: (902) 424-1730
Email: agnes.macneil@novascotia.ca
Agent
Name
Léa Desjardins
Contact information
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
160 Elgin Street
Suite 2600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-0106
FAX: (613) 788-3573
Email: lea.desjardins@gowlingwlg.com
160 Elgin Street
Suite 2600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-0106
FAX: (613) 788-3573
Email: lea.desjardins@gowlingwlg.com
Party: Attorney General of Ontario
Counsel
Names
Michael J. Sims
Shayna Levine-Poch
Shayna Levine-Poch
Contact information
Attorney General of Ontario
720 Bay Street, 8th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1W3
Telephone: (416) 420-4983
Email: michael.sims@ontario.ca
720 Bay Street, 8th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1W3
Telephone: (416) 420-4983
Email: michael.sims@ontario.ca
Agent
Name
Darius Bossé
Contact information
Juristes Power Law
50 O’Connor Street
Suite 1313
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2
Telephone: (613) 702-5566
Email: dbosse@juristespower.ca
50 O’Connor Street
Suite 1313
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2
Telephone: (613) 702-5566
Email: dbosse@juristespower.ca
Party: Mental Health Legal Advocacy Coalition
Counsel
Names
Anita Szigeti
Carter Martell
Ruby Dhand
Cassandra DeMelo
Carter Martell
Ruby Dhand
Cassandra DeMelo
Contact information
Anita Szigeti Advocates
55 University Avenue, Suite 1100
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2H7
Telephone: (416) 504-6544
FAX: (416) 204-9562
Email: anita@asabarristers.com
55 University Avenue, Suite 1100
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2H7
Telephone: (416) 504-6544
FAX: (416) 204-9562
Email: anita@asabarristers.com
Agent
Name
Marie-France Major
Contact information
Supreme Advocacy LLP
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
Party: Association des Avocats.es Carcéralistes du Québec
Counsel
Names
Louis-Alexandre Hébert-Gosselin
Me Marie-Laure Dufour
Me Marie-Laure Dufour
Contact information
Trudel Johnston & Lespérance
750, côte de la Place-d'Armes
Suite 90
Montréal, Quebec
H2Y 2X8
Telephone: (514) 871-8385 Ext: 207
FAX: (514) 871-8800
Email: louis-alexandre@tjl.quebec
750, côte de la Place-d'Armes
Suite 90
Montréal, Quebec
H2Y 2X8
Telephone: (514) 871-8385 Ext: 207
FAX: (514) 871-8800
Email: louis-alexandre@tjl.quebec
Party: Attorney General of Saskatchewan
Counsel
Names
Noah Wernikowski
Johnna Van Parys
Johnna Van Parys
Contact information
Ministry of Justice Saskatchewan
820-1874 Scarth Street
Constitutional Law Branch
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 4B3
Telephone: (306) 786-0206
FAX: (306) 787-9111
Email: noah.wernikowski@gov.sk.ca
820-1874 Scarth Street
Constitutional Law Branch
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 4B3
Telephone: (306) 786-0206
FAX: (306) 787-9111
Email: noah.wernikowski@gov.sk.ca
Agent
Name
Matthew Estabrooks
Contact information
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
2600 – 160 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-0211
FAX: (613) 788-3573
Email: matthew.estabrooks@gowlingwlg.com
2600 – 160 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-0211
FAX: (613) 788-3573
Email: matthew.estabrooks@gowlingwlg.com
Party: Queen’s Prison Law Clinic
Counsel
Names
Paul Quick
Adriel Weaver
Adriel Weaver
Contact information
Queen's University
Queen's Prison Law Clinic
505-303 Bagot Street
Kingston, Ontario
K7K 5W7
Telephone: (613) 929-4092
Email: p.quick@queensu.ca
Queen's Prison Law Clinic
505-303 Bagot Street
Kingston, Ontario
K7K 5W7
Telephone: (613) 929-4092
Email: p.quick@queensu.ca
Agent
Name
Colleen Bauman
Contact information
Goldblatt Partners LLP
270 Albert Street
Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G8
Telephone: (613) 482-2463
FAX: (613) 235-3041
Email: cbauman@goldblattpartners.com
270 Albert Street
Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G8
Telephone: (613) 482-2463
FAX: (613) 235-3041
Email: cbauman@goldblattpartners.com
Party: Attorney General of British Columbia
Counsel
Names
Freya Zaltz
Alison Brown
Alison Brown
Contact information
Attorney General of British Columbia
Legal Services Branch
1301 - 865 Hornby Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6Z 2G3
Telephone: (604) 660-3004
FAX: (604) 660-2636
Email: freya.zaltz@gov.bc.ca
Legal Services Branch
1301 - 865 Hornby Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6Z 2G3
Telephone: (604) 660-3004
FAX: (604) 660-2636
Email: freya.zaltz@gov.bc.ca
Agent
Name
Dahlia Shuhaibar
Contact information
Olthuis Van Ert
66 Lisgar Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0C1
Telephone: (613) 501-5350
Email: dshuhaibar@ovcounsel.com
66 Lisgar Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0C1
Telephone: (613) 501-5350
Email: dshuhaibar@ovcounsel.com
Party: Canadian Prison Law Association
Counsel
Names
Simon Borys
Kate Mitchell
Kate Mitchell
Contact information
Borys Law
189 Ontario Street, 2nd Floor
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 2Y7
Telephone: (613) 777-6262
FAX: (613) 777-6263
Email: simon@boryslaw.ca
189 Ontario Street, 2nd Floor
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 2Y7
Telephone: (613) 777-6262
FAX: (613) 777-6263
Email: simon@boryslaw.ca
Agent
Name
Marie-France Major
Contact information
Supreme Advocacy LLP
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
Party: David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights
Counsel
Name
Megan Savard
Contact information
Savards LLP
26 Soho Street, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1Z7
Telephone: (416) 789-7843
Email: megan@savards.ca
26 Soho Street, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1Z7
Telephone: (416) 789-7843
Email: megan@savards.ca
Agent
Name
Jean-Simon Schoenholz
Contact information
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
500 – 99 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6B9
Telephone: (613) 780-1537
FAX: (613) 230-5459
Email: jean-simon.schoenholz@nortonrosefulbright.com
500 – 99 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6B9
Telephone: (613) 780-1537
FAX: (613) 230-5459
Email: jean-simon.schoenholz@nortonrosefulbright.com
Party: Canadian Civil Liberties Association
Counsel
Names
Jessica Orkin
Amanda Bruce
Amanda Bruce
Contact information
Goldblatt Partners LLP
20 Dundas Street West
Suite 1039
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C2
Telephone: (416) 977-6070
Email: jorkin@goldblattpartners.com
20 Dundas Street West
Suite 1039
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C2
Telephone: (416) 977-6070
Email: jorkin@goldblattpartners.com
Agent
Name
Colleen Bauman
Contact information
Goldblatt Partners LLP
270 Albert Street
Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G8
Telephone: (613) 482-2463
FAX: (613) 235-3041
Email: cbauman@goldblattpartners.com
270 Albert Street
Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G8
Telephone: (613) 482-2463
FAX: (613) 235-3041
Email: cbauman@goldblattpartners.com
Party: Alberta Prison Justice Society
Counsel
Name
Amy Matychuk
Contact information
Prison & Police Law
P.O. Box 61012 Kensington
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 4S6
Telephone: (587) 433-7272
FAX: (403) 206-7272
Email: amy@prisonpolicelaw.ca
P.O. Box 61012 Kensington
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 4S6
Telephone: (587) 433-7272
FAX: (403) 206-7272
Email: amy@prisonpolicelaw.ca
Agent
Name
Marie-France Major
Contact information
Supreme Advocacy LLP
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
340 Gilmour Street
Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 0R3
Telephone: (613) 695-8855 Ext: 102
FAX: (613) 695-8580
Email: mfmajor@supremeadvocacy.ca
Party: Attorney General of Canada
Counsel
Names
John Provart
Anusha Aruliah
Anusha Aruliah
Contact information
Attorney General of Canada
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 1T1
Telephone: (647) 256-0784
FAX: (416) 954-8982
Email: john.provart@justice.gc.ca
120 Adelaide Street West
Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 1T1
Telephone: (647) 256-0784
FAX: (416) 954-8982
Email: john.provart@justice.gc.ca
Agent
Name
Zoe Oxaal
Contact information
Deputy Attorney General of Canada
Department of Justice Canada, Civil Litigation Sector
50 O’Connor Street, Suite 500
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Telephone: (343) 574-6955
FAX: (613) 954-1920
Email: SCCAgentCorrespondentCSC@justice.gc.ca
Department of Justice Canada, Civil Litigation Sector
50 O’Connor Street, Suite 500
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Telephone: (343) 574-6955
FAX: (613) 954-1920
Email: SCCAgentCorrespondentCSC@justice.gc.ca
Party: Inmate Welfare Committee of Stony Mountain Institution
Counsel
Names
Chanelle Lajoie
Allison Fenske
Allison Fenske
Contact information
University of Manitoba Community Law Centre
100 - 297 Broadway Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0R9
Telephone: (204) 985-5210
Email: chanelle.lajoie@umanitoba.ca
100 - 297 Broadway Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0R9
Telephone: (204) 985-5210
Email: chanelle.lajoie@umanitoba.ca
Agent
Name
Millie Lefebvre
Contact information
Juristes Power Law
50 O'Connor Street, Suite 1313
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2
Telephone: (613) 702-5564
Email: mlefebvre@powerlaw.ca
50 O'Connor Street, Suite 1313
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2
Telephone: (613) 702-5564
Email: mlefebvre@powerlaw.ca
Party: West Coast Prison Justice Society
Counsel
Names
Pierre E. Hawkins
Max McQuaig
Max McQuaig
Contact information
Prisoners' Legal Services
625 Agnes Street, Suite 310
New Westminster, British Columbia
V3M 5Y4
Telephone: (604) 636-0470
Email: phawkins@pls-bc.ca
625 Agnes Street, Suite 310
New Westminster, British Columbia
V3M 5Y4
Telephone: (604) 636-0470
Email: phawkins@pls-bc.ca
Party: Black Legal Action Centre
Counsel
Names
Saneliso Moyo
Ikram Handulle
Demar Hewitt
Ikram Handulle
Demar Hewitt
Contact information
Goldblatt Partners LLP
20 Dundas St W, Suite 1039
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C2
Telephone: (416) 979-4641
Email: smoyo@goldblattpartners.com
20 Dundas St W, Suite 1039
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2C2
Telephone: (416) 979-4641
Email: smoyo@goldblattpartners.com
Agent
Name
Colleen Bauman
Contact information
Goldblatt Partners LLP
270 Albert Street
Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G8
Telephone: (613) 482-2463
FAX: (613) 235-3041
Email: cbauman@goldblattpartners.com
270 Albert Street
Suite 1400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G8
Telephone: (613) 482-2463
FAX: (613) 235-3041
Email: cbauman@goldblattpartners.com
Party: British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
Counsel
Name
Frances Mahon
Contact information
Pender Litigation
1175 - 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 3A8
Telephone: (604) 669-6699
FAX: (604) 681-0652
Email: fdm@penderlitigation.com
1175 - 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 3A8
Telephone: (604) 669-6699
FAX: (604) 681-0652
Email: fdm@penderlitigation.com
Summary
Keywords
Courts – Jurisdiction – Prerogative writs – Habeas corpus – Correctional facility detainees challenging legality of rotational lockdowns imposed due to staff shortages – Application judge declaring lockdowns unlawful – Declarations set aside on appeal – Whether placement in solitary confinement as result of operational or policy decisions reviewable by way of habeas corpus
Summary
Case summaries are prepared by the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada (Law Branch). Please note that summaries are not provided to the Judges of the Court. They are placed on the Court file and website for information purposes only.
Applicants Durrell Diggs and Ryan Taylor Wilband were both inmates on remand at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility. At the relevant time, the facility was suffering staffing shortages which resulted in rotational lockdowns of inmates. The applicants brought habeas corpus applications arguing that the rotational lockdowns unlawfully deprived them of their residual liberty.
The application judge declared that the lockdowns were unlawful. The respondent Attorney General of Nova Scotia appealed. The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal allowed the appeals and set the declarations aside.
Lower court rulings
Declaration, lockdowns unlawful
Appeals allowed, declarations set aside
Filed documents
The memorandums of argument on an application for leave to appeal will be posted here 30 days after leave to appeal has been granted unless they contain personal information, information that is subject to a publication ban, or any other information that is not part of the public record. You may also obtain copies of the memorandum by filling out the Request for Court records form or by contacting the Court’s Records Centre either by email at records-dossiers@scc-csc.ca or by telephone at 613-996-8666 or at 1-844-365-9662.
If you have questions about a memorandum of argument or want to use a memorandum of argument, please contact the author of the memorandum of argument directly. Their name appears at the end of the memorandum of argument. The contact information for counsel is found in the “Counsel” tab of this page.
Downloadable PDFs
Not available
Related links
The factums of the appellant, the respondent and the intervener will be posted here at least 2 weeks before the hearing unless they contain personal information, information that is subject to a publication ban, or any other information that is not part of the public record. You may also obtain copies of factums by filling out the Request for Court records form or by contacting the Court’s Records Centre either by email at records-dossiers@scc-csc.ca or by telephone at 613-996-8666 or at 1-844-365-9662.
If you have questions about a factum or want permission to use a factum, please contact the author of the factum directly. Their contact information appears on the first page of each factum.
Downloadable PDFs
Not available
Related links
The condensed books of the appellant, the respondent and the intervener will be posted here upon receipt of the electronic version, 2 days prior to the scheduled appeal hearing. You may also obtain copies of condensed books by filling out the Request for Court records form or by contacting the Court’s Records Centre either by email at records-dossiers@scc-csc.ca or by telephone at 613-996-8666 or at 1-844-365-9662.
If you have questions about a condensed book or want permission to use a condensed book, please contact the author of the condensed book directly. Their contact information appears on the first page of each condensed book.
Downloadable PDFs
Not available
Related links
Date modified: 2026-09-25