The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) confirmed the trial for Alberta rancher Ty Northcott and Northcott Rodeo is taking place in Red Deer on Tuesday. .“The right to gather peacefully in protest is expressly protected by the Charter, and the Northcotts’ protest rodeo rally engages that protection,” said JCCF lawyer Marty Moore in a Tuesday press release. .“The right to gather outdoors to protest government violations of Canadians’ rights must be defended against continued prosecution by the Crown.”.The release said the determination on the constitutional issues in this case will happen at a later date..Northcott's family has a long history in the rodeo business. Despite rodeos happening outdoors, they were subjected to lockdowns. .The Northcotts organized the No More Lockdowns Rodeo Rally near Bowden, AB, to protest against COVID-19 restrictions in 2021. .READ MORE: No More Lockdowns Rodeo held near Bowden.The event was held on a tract of land near Bowden after Alberta Health Services and RCMP forced Northcott to move it from the Bowden Agricultural Society grounds. They had put pressure on him and anyone associated with the event to try and force them not to go ahead..“I don’t care what anyone else is doing for the next couple of days, I’m rodeoing,” said Ty..Thousands came to the rodeo over the two days. Numerous speakers, including Ty, gave speeches between events against lockdowns and about how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was being violated. .An RCMP officer served Ty and his wife Gail with three summonses about one week after the No More Lockdowns Rodeo. .READ MORE: WATCH: Northcott faces three charges after No More Lockdowns Rodeo.They were ordered to appear in court in Red Deer to face charges under the Public Health Act. .Northcott said he intended to plead not guilty. .All charges against Gail were dropped in October. .The JCCF has provided legal counsel for the Northcotts. Grey Wowk Spencer LLP defence lawyer Stephen Whitehead is representing them.
