‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters set to testify at Emergencies Act inquiry

A local Alberta politician facing charges for participating in “Freedom Convoy” protests at the Coutts, Alta., border blockade is set to testify Tuesday at the public inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act.

Marco Van Huigenbos is a Fort MacLeod, Alta., councillor who was charged with mischief for his role organizing the protests earlier this year.

2:04 Emergencies Act inquiry hears from Coutts protester

Paul Leschied, who took part in the protests in Windsor, Ont., and Ontario Provincial Police officer Dana Earley are also scheduled to testify.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history on Feb. 14, arguing its temporary and extraordinary powers were needed to end blockades in Ottawa and at border crossings.

The Public Order Emergency Commission is examining the Liberal government’s decision to invoke the act.

The public inquiry, which is required under the Emergencies Act, is holding hearings in Ottawa through to Nov. 25.

1:18 ‘We never wanted to gridlock the city’: ‘Freedom Convoy’ leader Tamara Lich tells commission