Little Sisters, a gay bookstore in Vancouver, has lost its bid to have the government cover costs that may exceed $2 million when totaled. The costs resulted from fighting a case against Canada Customs for more than two decades over the seizure of gay erotica titles headed to the shop.

    The Supreme Court of Canada decision sided with federal government lawyers, who argued the case was “simply not important enough” to warrant Ottawa footing the tab.
    If Friday’s decision had ruled in favour of Little Sisters, it could have set a precedent in which Ottawa would have to cover legal costs for ordinary people who raise challenges under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.