The Freedom Convoy inquiry yesterday moved a step closer to public hearings with recommended taxpayer funding for participants’ legal fees and expenses. The Commission denied a funding request by the group Citizens For Freedom..According to Justice Paul Rouleau, head of the Public Order Emergency Commission. "Citizens for Freedom identifies itself as a non-profit that is made up of demonstrators against mandates including vaccination mandates.".“Applicants who requested funding provided varying degrees of detail in terms of the amounts they requested. Final decisions on subsidies were up to the Privy Council," he added..According to Blacklock's Reporter, the Commission noted other participants like The Democracy Fund and Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom did not ask for funding. Neither did a group of Freedom Convoy organizers including Tamara Lich, Chris Barber, Tom Marazzo and others granted standing at the inquiry..The Commission also denied a request for subsidies by the National Crowdfunding and Fintech Association. “The Association made a substantial request for funding,” said Justice Rouleau. He did not disclose the amount. “While the Association included financial statements that reflect financial need it does not appear to have attempted to raise funds from its members,” added Rouleau..Intervenors who asked for subsidies and received the Commission’s approval included the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers and the Ottawa Coalition of Residents and Businesses representing nine community groups. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association was also approved, which is “a non-profit organization that receives no government funding for its advocacy purposes” with lawyers who work at no charge..The Calgary Chamber of Commerce sought and was recommended for an undisclosed grant. “It states that it is a not for profit, member-funded organization,” wrote Justice Rouleau. “It states that due to the impact of COVID-19 on its members’ businesses it has reduced its membership dues by a substantial amount which has a corresponding impact on its operating budget.”.The Chamber “claims a substantial and direct interest in matters that impact the local, regional and national economy,” wrote the Commission. “It indicates that its participation will ensure the Commission receives a necessary perspective from Prairies-based businesses on the impact of the use of the Emergencies Act.”.Other intervenors who never sought subsidies include lawyers for the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, cities of Ottawa and Windsor, Ottawa Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and National Police Federation representing unionized RCMP members..No dates have yet been set for the start of public hearings. The Commission has said hearings must be complete by the end of October to meet its February 6, 2023 deadline for a final report.
