During the trial proceedings concerning the Alberta border blockade from two years prior, a Crown prosecutor emphasized on Wednesday that the case isn't centered on the defendants' beliefs or their right to protest. Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk, and Gerhard Janzen, all pleading not guilty to mischief charges exceeding $5,000, allegedly played pivotal roles in obstructing the highway at Coutts, Alta., along the Canada-U.S. border in 2022. Prosecutor Steven Johnston underscored to the jury during his opening statement that the trio's actions led to a standstill at Alberta's primary border crossing with Montana, amid a protest against COVID-19 pandemic health measures.
Johnston clarified, "Many people were affected by COVID-19 and responses to it. This prosecution is not about that... This trial is not about people’s personal feelings about COVID. This is not a trial about the right to protest." He stressed that impeding the use of a highway to achieve a goal is impermissible. "The Crown does not allege that these three men before you committed a single act of violence," Johnston stated. "What the Crown alleges is that they, as part of a larger group, interfered with the use of a large highway in southern Alberta for approximately two weeks.
The prosecutor asserted that evidence would demonstrate the defendants' leadership within the blockade, suggesting they wielded significant influence over its operations. A video message posted by the men online ultimately brought an end to the protest after 15 days. In the video presented in court, Van Huigenbos and Van Herk acknowledged previous blockade-related arrests and the confiscation of weapons, advocating for a peaceful resolution. "We, as the Coutts convoy, have decided — as a peaceful protest and to maintain that narrative — we will be rolling out tomorrow morning," Van Huigenbos conveyed in the video. "We want to wrap this up in a peaceful way, and we thank everybody for all their support.
Johnston contended that the protest ceased shortly after, underscoring the defendants' pivotal role in its dynamics. Jim Willett, former mayor of Coutts, testified as the trial's initial witness, emphasizing Coutts' significance as Alberta's sole 24-hour border crossing to the U.S., catering to a steady flow of truckers and tourists. "There’s literally hundreds of millions of dollars of commerce that pass through every year," Willett emphasized. "This highway is a major commerce thoroughfare. If you shut that down, you shut down all the commerce.
Willett recounted his actions upon learning of an impending convoy passing through Coutts, a small village housing around 200 residents. "There could be a lot of strangers, lock your doors and keep your kids off the street," he advised locals upon noticing online posts about the convoy's arrival. He described the initial situation as chaotic, lacking a clear strategy. Concerned about the impact on residents' access to essential services like grocery stores and medical clinics, which Coutts lacks, Willett engaged with one of the blockade organizers at Smugglers, a former bar serving as a meeting point for protesters. His aim was to discern their plans and duration of stay in the community. "There was little I could do. As a small-town mayor, I don’t have a lot of authority," Willett reflected.
Addressing the jury, Justice Keith Yamauchi emphasized the presumption of innocence for the accused until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. "You are the judges of the facts...not lawyers, not investigators," Yamauchi stressed. "It is important that you not form your opinions before you hear all the evidence." Willett was slated to face cross-examination from the defense on Thursday. The trial's schedule extends until April 19th.
In conclusion, the trial surrounding the Alberta border blockade remains ongoing, with testimonies shedding light on the events leading up to and during the protest. Willett's account underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in managing such situations, particularly in small communities like Coutts. As the trial progresses, the jury's role in impartially assessing the evidence presented becomes increasingly crucial, guided by Justice Yamauchi's reminder of the presumption of innocence. With Willett's impending cross-examination and the trial scheduled to continue until April 19th, the quest for justice and clarity regarding the accused's actions persists.
