An Ontario Supreme Court judge has rejected MPP Randy Hillier’s proposal to allow him into downtown Ottawa because a bail condition prohibits him from visiting following allegations of participating in the Freedom Convoy protest.
Hillier, who remains an independent MP on Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston driving, has requested a bail review hearing to remove the condition that forbids him from entering the center of the nation’s capital other than meeting with his lawyer or attending the court.
Hillier also requested the hearing because he believes that another bail condition restricting his online activities “excessively limits Mr. Hillier’s ability to speak out or support causes against a mandate on social media or otherwise,” according to his lawyer, David. Anber.
The hearing took place on the eve of preparations for a weekend rally in Ottawa that did not specifically protest COVID-19 rules. Hillier told CBC News that he would not attend any events related to the rally, which include scheduled rallies on Parliament Hill and at the National War Memorial.
Anbert also told the court that he had applied for a bail review before the rally “even on the radar”.
“Randy [says] he does not intend to attend. So we just follow these two conditions because they are too restrictive, “Anbert said.
However, Judge Hugh McLean told the court on Thursday afternoon “in the current circumstances” that it was appropriate to maintain the conditions of bail so as not to allow Hillier to visit the city center.
“Your client has, say, an interesting experience of breaking the law,” McLean told Anbert.
Released on bail in March
After surrendering to charges related to the convoy protest and occupation of downtown Ottawa, Hillier was released on bail in late March.
In the indictment against Hillier, Ottawa police said there were complaints of “social media posts and other individual activities” during the so-called Freedom Convoy.
The charges include assaulting a security official or government official; two charges of obstructing or resisting a civil servant; an accusation of obstructing or resisting someone who assists a public or peacemaker; three charges of counseling for an uncommitted criminal offense, two of which he considered mischief; and two charges of evil or obstruction of property over $ 5,000.
Hillier denied attacking an officer, saying he greeted people only “with love and affection, a hug and a handshake.”
Add Comment