By Canadian Press

Court expected to hear city’s perspective of ‘Freedom Convoy’ organizers’ trial

Sep 19, 2023 | 2:03 AM

OTTAWA — The criminal trial of two “Freedom Convoy” organizers is expected to hear the city’s perspective on the controversial protest as Ottawa’s emergency manager takes the stand. 

Kim Ayotte oversaw the city’s bylaw enforcement, fire and paramedic services during last year’s demonstration, as well as the department that oversees special events.  

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are on trial to determine whether they committed mischief or counselled others to commit mischief, intimidation and other offences over the course of the protest. 

Protesters blocked city streets and residential neighbourhoods around Parliament Hill in a protest against COVID-19 public-health restrictions, and refused to leave for three weeks. 

Ayotte provided daily situation updates to then-Ottawa mayor Jim Watson and the rest of city council during the demonstration.

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Ottawa declared a state of emergency after the second weekend of the protest in what the mayor at the time called “the most serious emergency our city has ever faced.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2023.

The Canadian Press