Canadian Constitution Foundation

When it comes to raw milk, the best expert is you

Karen Selick

National Post, December 27, 2011

Raw-milk crusader Michael Schmidt finally got to meet with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty last month after a 37-day hunger strike. But the Premier told him the government had no plans to change the law to legalize raw milk sales, and that it would rely on the best advice of medical experts.

Courts milking their power for all it’s worth

Karen Selick

Calgary Herald, October 12, 2011

When you had breakfast this morning, did you pour milk on your cereal or in your tea? Did you give your child a glass of milk?

According to a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Justice, you had no right to do that.

Got Milk Justice?

Karen Selick

National Post, January 26, 2010

Sitting in a courtroom listening to someone read 40 pages of closely written legal text is not something that I would ordinarily describe as a treat, but it was a genuine privilege to be in court last Thursday with dairy farmer Michael Schmidt to hear his acquittal on 19 charges relating to the distribution of raw milk.

First, there was Mr. Schmidt himself. He conclusively disproved the old saying that a man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client. At his trial a year earlier, he had acted as his own counsel — cross-examining prosecution witnesses, calling his own experts to give evidence and arguing complicated points of law. Arrayed against him were no fewer than five lawyers from various branches of the Ontario government, yet Mr. Schmidt emerged victorious.

Legalize Raw Milk

Karen Selick

National Post, January 26, 2009

Last month, Ontario farmer Michael Schmidt was sentenced to pay $55,000 for contempt of court. He had persisted in delivering unpasteurized milk to the members of his cow-sharing program, contrary to a court order. He goes to trial today on his main charges of violating the Milk Act and related legislation.