The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) announced a charge against former Ontario MPP Randy Hillier was dropped. The charge was related to a May 2021 protest in Barrie, ON that was stayed by the court..Hillier was charged with breaching a COVID-19 order issued under the Reopening Ontario Act. The provincial government had declared a state of emergency in April 2021 due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases, and subsequently issued a "stay-at-home" order that banned public gatherings..The order effectively criminalized public protests, according to the JCCF. But Hillier, who was outspoken in his opposition against lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, was alleged to have attended the Barrie protest when he was still a MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. .Breaches of Orders under the Reopening Ontario Act carry the potential consequences of fines of $100,000 and/or a one-year jail sentence..Hillier's legal counsel Christopher Fleury said Hillier is pleased with the outcome and will continue to "aggressively fight the similar charges he is facing across the province.".During the Freedom Convoy last February, Hillier was arrested and faced nine charges, including obstructing a police officer, counselling mischief and obstructing property over $5,000. The charges are still pending..As part of his litigation strategy, Hillier brought a Charter application in the Ontario Superior Court, seeking to have the various orders made under the Reopening Ontario Act declared contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms..The Court is scheduled to hear oral submissions in that case on July 27-28, 2023.
