A small, peaceful Amish community in Ontario has been hit with nearly $300,000 in COVID fines because they didn’t comply with the government’s ArriveCAN app during the pandemic. But here’s the problem: these devout people live as if it were the 18th century. They don’t have phones, computers, or electricity! They couldn’t download an app, even if they wanted to. Yet, the government imposed hefty fines on them, leaving them in a dire situation.
The Predicament
These fines aren’t just numbers on paper — they’ve severely impacted the lives of these Amish families. Unable to pay these outrageous fines, the government has placed liens on their properties. This means they can’t sell or transfer their farms from father to son, nor can they obtain loans to keep their farms running. The very essence of their way of life, built on self-sufficiency and community, is under threat. And all of this was done without their knowledge, in a manner that feels punitive and cruel.
Why This Matters
The Amish are not fighters — they are pacifists who believe in turning the other cheek. They’ve quietly accepted this mistreatment for years, but now they need our help. They’ve been unjustly targeted by a government that doesn’t understand or respect their way of life. These are people who don’t ask for help, who live humbly and peacefully. But their livelihoods and religious freedoms are now at stake, and they need us to stand with them.
What You Can Do
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Sign the Petition: Let’s show the Ontario government that we won’t stand by while they bully these peaceful people. Sign our petition right here on this page to stop the madness and demand that the fines and liens be removed.
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Donate to Their Legal Defence: The Democracy Fund has agreed to take on their case, but they need your support. Please chip in a donation right here on this page to contribute to their legal fund. Your donation will go directly to providing legal representation to fight these unjust fines. (The Democracy Fund is a registered Canadian charity, so you’ll receive a tax receipt for your contribution!)
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Spread the Word: Share this story with your friends and family. The more people who know about this injustice, the more pressure we can put on the government to do the right thing.
The Amish community in Chatsworth didn’t choose to be in this situation. They didn’t knowingly break any laws; they simply lived according to their beliefs. Now, they’re being punished for not using a smartphone app they can’t even access. This isn’t just about money — this is about protecting a way of life and standing up for religious freedom.
Please sign the petition, donate, and help us fight back against this injustice. Together, we can make sure the Amish are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.
