Development of Test Cases

If you have an idea for a test case but have not yet worked out the details, case development funding allows you to undertake research to further explore and develop the issues involved in the litigation of your test case. This will help you to determine whether you have a good test case that meets the CCP’s funding criteria.

Applicants may apply for funding to the CCP in order to develop a test case. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and follow the steps in applying for funding.

Applications for funding to develop the following types of test cases are accepted (maximum funding $20,000):

Legal research and writing

You may need to conduct research to determine whether your case has merit to advance as a test case.

Consultation

Consultation funding may be granted to allow you to talk about your test case idea to people in the community, others with more experience of the issues you wish to explore, or experts.

Evidence development

While it may appear obvious to you that your rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are not being respected, there may be little or no formal evidence to support your position. It may be necessary to commission a study or research project to provide the evidence you need.

Accessibility funding

Accessibility funding of up to $5,000 may be granted to ensure equal access to Program-funded activities by an applicant or others retained or invited by an applicant to participate in the case or project.

Applicants are encouraged to consider applying for accessibility funding, which can cover, for example: interpretation or translation, production of documents in alternate media, travel costs for an attendant, and child care costs.

Requests for accessibility funding must be made in writing and must include: 1) a detailed explanation of the request, and 2) a projected budget for the amount of accessibility funding requested. The decision-making panel has the sole discretion to determine whether circumstances exist that justify accessibility funding and the amount of accessibility funding.