Lawyers defend truckers against mass ticketing at Coutts Freedom Convoy Protest.
TORONTO: During the Freedom Convoy protest in Coutts, Alberta, in 2022, police brought approximately 100 charges against peacefully protesting truckers. The Democracy Fund (TDF) partnered with Williamson Law (WL) to ensure that these truckers received representation and, if necessary, a fair trial.
Nearly 50 clients retained WL to defend against tickets issued under the Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation and other regulatory statutes. WL lawyers requested disclosure and held multiple discussions with the Crown, resulting in the withdrawal of tickets for all but 11 cases. For these remaining cases, the Crown was determined to proceed.
WL lawyers then sought subpoenas for the Alberta Premier's Office, Alberta Sheriffs, Edmonton Police Service, Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta (CISA), and Provincial Security and Intelligence Office (PSIO) to give evidence in respect of disclosure issues. After WL sought these subpoenas, and further discussions with defence counsel, the Crown offered to resolve the remaining 11 cases for $1 each. As a result, no client was convicted at trial and all matters were successfully resolved.
Chad Williamson of WL said:
"The outcome in these cases represents an outstanding victory for civil liberty clients of The Democracy Fund. The Government attempted to bring charges against individuals and companies who allegedly had equipment parked on and near the highway during the Coutts Freedom Convoy protest. In the face of a robust and steadfast defence, we were successful in having close to 50 charges withdrawn immediately. When the Crown sought to prosecute the remaining 11 truckers, we sought subpoenas for parties we believed had relevant knowledge of the underlying events. At that point, the Crown agreed that the remaining charges should be resolved for $1 each. These cases show that a strong and vigorous defence is the best protection against charges levied by the Government against peaceful protestors."
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.