The appellants, a union and individual provincial civil servants, challenged the constitutionality of provisions in the Ontario Public Service Act that prohibited them from engaging in certain political activities, including during federal elections.
They argued the province lacked jurisdiction to legislate regarding federal elections.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that the impugned provisions were intra vires the province.
The Court found the legislation was validly enacted under the province's power to amend its constitution and regulate the tenure of provincial offices, as it aimed to ensure the political impartiality of the provincial public service, a fundamental principle of responsible government.
