Governments, police, convoy organizers granted standing on inquiry into use of Emergencies Act

Governments ofall three levels, convoy organizers and policehave been granted standing in the public inquiry looking into the invocation of the federal Emergencies Act, but the federal Conservative Party and a number of individuals who had their bank accounts frozen have been left out.

Grantinggroups or individuals standing allows them certain privileges in the inquiry process, including the ability to suggest witnesses or cross-examine them. It also means they are givenadvance notice on documents being submitted into evidence.

Prime Minister JustinTrudeau invoked the act on Feb. 14 for the first time in Canada's history during the Freedom Convoy. The act gave the federal government temporary powers to deal withthe anti-COVID-19 restriction blockadesthat gridlocked Ottawa for three weeks last winter as protesters parked trucks that blocked neighbourhood access and mainarteries around Parliament Hill.

PaulRouleau, the commissioner heading the inquiry, wrote in his decision that the deadline to submit the inquiry report weighed on his final determination.

"I must keep in mind the practical realities facing the commission, including the strict timeline in which to complete the Inquiry,"Rouleauwrote.

The federal government, the governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta have been granted full standing, while the government of Manitoba will be allowed to enter written submissions.

Key convoy organizers includingTamara Lich, TomMarazzo,Chris Barber and DanielBulfordhave been granted full standing.

"Their contributions to the work of the commission are necessary, as they are uniquely situated to offer information to the commission and give firsthand evidence as to the goals and organization of the convoy,"Rouleauwrote of the organizers.

The Ottawa Police Service has been granted full standing, while its former chief PeterSlolywill be allowed to produce documents and examine witnesses.

The cities of Ottawa andWindsor have also been granted standing.

Conservatives, individual participants denied

The federal Conservative Party and individual protesters are some notable exclusions inRouleau'sdecision.

In his dismissal of the Conservatives,Rouleaupointed to the parliamentary committee reviewing the use of the act and said the inquiry needs to remain above the political fray.

"The political process that involves elected representatives from the various parties has a role to play in how the use of the Emergencies Act is reviewed and assessed,"Rouleausaid.

"There is also an important role for an independent non-partisan process. Both ought to operate independently from one another."

A number ofindividualprotesters, including some who had their bank accounts frozen, were also denied standing in the inquiry.

Rouleaureasoned that individual protesters would have limited perspective on what unfolded earlier this year.

"By and large, their contribution would be limited to what they saw, heard or experienced from their particular vantage point as a participant or supporter of the convoy,"Rouleausaid, adding that individuals will be able to have their voices heard during public hearings.

The commission's final report must be submitted by February 2023.