Harper has imposed a mandatory fine upon every single criminal conviction in addition to whatever other penalty is imposed, no matter what the circumstances. This may be okay if you’re financially well off but for this defendant “who had addiction issues, was homeless and lived on $250 per month in social assistance”, it was a problem. Justice “Glass, who earns $308,000 annually as a Superior Court judge” doesn’t think so. We, the members of the Criminal Lawyers Association don’t agree. This is why we’re joining the appeal.
Source: Victim surcharges ‘entrench cyle of poverty’: lawyer