The applicant, incarcerated and self-represented, brought a summary application seeking constitutional declarations and $2 million in damages against the Crown, alleging violations related to frequent lockdowns, inadequate medical and legal assistance, and denial of religious freedoms at Toronto South Detention Centre.
The Crown moved to convert the application to an action, arguing that the complexity, anticipated credibility issues, and volume of evidence necessitated a full trial process with documentary and oral discoveries.
The court granted the Crown's motion, converting the application to an action, finding that a structured action process would be fairer, more affordable, and ultimately more efficient given the substantial damages claimed and the applicant's detailed rebuttal to the Crown's anticipated evidence.
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Toronto South Detention Centre were removed as respondents.