City of Ottawa staff to speak at ‘Freedom Convoy’ trial

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

Kim Ayotte oversaw the city’s law enforcement, fire and paramedic departments during last year’s protest, as well as the special events department.

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are on trial to determine whether they committed wrongdoing or advised others to commit wrongdoing, intimidation and other offenses during the protest.

Protesters blocked city streets and residential neighborhoods around Parliament Hill to protest 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 protest.

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