OTTAWA-
The investigation into Ottawa’s unprecedented use of the Emergencies Act during the February protests will begin its public hearings next month.
The Public Order Emergency Commission announced today that it expects hearings to take place from September 19 to October 28 at Library and Archives Canada in downtown Ottawa.
Commissioner Paul Rouleau said in a statement that he intended to hold the government to account and wanted the investigation to be as “open and transparent” as possible.
The hearings will be streamed live online and members of the public will have the opportunity to share their views, with a final report expected early next year.
Parties to the investigation, including organizers of the “Freedom Convoy”, police forces and all three levels of government, are expected to testify and provide documentary evidence on the invocation of the law in February.
The federal Liberals made the decision amid border blockades and the occupation of downtown Ottawa by protesters demonstrating against COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 15, 2022.