Chris Barber, Tamara Lich and Pat King are names many will be familiar with, but this week’s witness list also includes some people who may not be as familiar. The testimony is expected to dig into areas that would not necessarily be covered in escort-related criminal trials. It should also provide some behind-the-scenes details from the perspective of those who occupied part of downtown Ottawa during the protest against the COVID-19 health measures last winter. Here’s a look at some of the 13 people connected to the protest who are expected to testify in the coming days as the Public Order Emergency Committee continues.
Chris Barber
The group starts Tuesday with Barber, a Saskatchewan trucker with a large social media following, who has been a key organizer of the convoy. Barber was charged with mischief, obstructing police and counseling others to commit disorderly conduct and intimidation. He was released on bail and awaits trial next year.
Brigitte Belton
Along with Barber, truck driver and organizer Brigitte Belton is expected to testify on Tuesday. An overview of early protest activity compiled by the public inquiry attorneys says Belton posted a video on TikTok on November 16, 2021 after he was stopped at the Windsor-Detroit border crossing for not wearing a mask. In the video, she “expressed her frustration” with public health measures and said “In Canada, we are no longer free,” the document says. The review adds that Belton later connected with Barber and appeared with him and others at a Facebook Live meeting hosted by Pat King where routes and logistics for the convoy were discussed.
Steve Charland
Charland is the representative of the Farfadaas protest movement and has been called to testify. (Radio-Canada) Belton is followed by Steeve Charland, a man from Grenville, Que., who is known as a spokesman for Les Farfadaas, a Quebec group formed to protest public health measures. This group was formed from La Meute, which is considered by experts to be a far-right, anti-Islam and anti-immigrant group.
Tom Marazzo
Tom Marazzo is among those called to testify this week. He is an ex-serviceman whose LinkedIn profile says he served in the Canadian Forces for 25 years and now works as a freelance software developer. This profile also lists “2022 Freedom Escort Volunteer” as his most recent role, from February to present. Marazzo is listed as a member of the steering committee for Veterans For Freedom, which describes itself online as a grassroots organization of veterans working to “restore fundamental freedoms.” He played a role in organizing protests in late April in Ottawa.
Pat King
King, one of the organizers of the demonstration, poses for photos in front of Parliament Hill during the procession. (Patrick Doyle/Reuters) One of the most famous names on the witness list is King. He spent five months in jail before being granted bail in July. King, an Alberta resident, was a leading figure in the convoy protest against the COVID-19 restrictions. He was arrested on February 18 on four charges: disorderly conduct, counseling to commit disorder, counseling to commit the offense of breaching a court order and counseling to obstruct police. He also faces additional charges of obstruction of justice and perjury.
Benjamin poet
Benjamin Dichter, who describes himself on social media as a representative of the convoy demonstration, will also be questioned. He previously ran for the Conservative Party of Canada.
James Bauder and Daniel Bulford
James Bounder, another of the protest organizers, will also testify. He is responsible for creating the Canada Unity team and website that helped develop the original escort plan. Daniel Bulford, a former RCMP officer who was on the prime minister’s security detail, will also appear. He quit after refusing to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and is the convoy’s security chief.
Tamara Lich
Lich is another well-known figure in the convoy and a key organizer of the protest. He was charged with Barber and spent time in and out of custody amid bail reviews before being released in July to await trial. Lich has been seen monitoring the investigation since it began. Lich, left, and lawyers Eva Chipiuk, centre, and Keith Wilson arrive at the Public Order Emergency Committee in Ottawa on Thursday, October 13, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Keith Wilson
A more recent addition to the witness list is Keith Wilson, the attorney representing several protesters facing criminal charges. He previously said their testimony during the investigation is protected and cannot be used against them in court. “Tamara Lich and Chris Barber and others facing criminal charges stemming from the protests are safe to testify, be transparent and tell the truth,” Wilson said. “They are obliged to answer the questions.”
