The Canadian Civil Liberties Association sent a stern letter to Regina City Council.

The City of Regina's attempt to curtail street begging has attracted a stern letter from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which calls panhandling "a powerful form of political expression."

The letter, dated Sept. 1 and released to media outlets on Thursday, was sent to members of Regina City Council.

The city has been looking at whether its current bylaw concerning panhandlers should be changed.

The civil liberties group, however, says any law that curtails an individual's freedom of expression would likely be unconstitutional.

"Enforcing laws that prohibit panhandling restricts not only the right of the poor to speak about their situation, but also the opportunities for citizens to receive truths about the society in which they live," the letter says.

The missive was signed by the association's lawyer, Nathalie Des Rosiers, Abby Deshman, a project director, and Christian Pearce, a law student.

'For certain marginalized people, the act of begging may be the only means through which they can communicate the urgency of their situation.'—Canadian Civil Liberties Association letter to Regina City Council

It calls on the city to cease enforcement of the bylaw, or amend it to allow street begging.

The group cited various court cases where judges have found that begging, while sometimes unsettling, is an important means of public discussion.

"Many people facing a situation of cumulative disadvantage have few ways to convey their struggle to the wider society," the letter says. "For certain marginalized people, the act of begging may be the only means through which they can communicate the urgency of their situation and inspire support."

The letter also outlined social policy research which suggests that fining panhandlers was a dubious means of controlling street begging.

It added that there were valid laws in place to combat harassment, mischief, or other harmful acts.