Citizen commission into Freedom Convoy starts today

An Ottawa People's Commission launches Monday to better understandimpacts the Freedom Convoy had on localsduring the weeks-long occupation ofdowntown streets.

Organizers say it is a grassroots initiativeto respond to the "deeply disturbing and harmful occupation the nation's capital endured."

Ken Rubin is one of the people who helped form the group, which will havecommissioners prepare a report before the one-year anniversary of the anti-COVID rule and anti-government protesterscoming to Ottawa at the end ofJanuaryand staying for about three weeks.

He saidthe commission will allowpeople to testify if they wish.

"People can tell their stories andthe commissioners, who are respected people, will hear them," he said.

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Several investigations and inquiries into the Freedom Convoy are taking place at different levels of government, including a federal committee looking into the use of the Emergencies Act, but organizers of the people's commission say those do not focus on the impact to residents.

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"[These inquiries]by no means capturewhat theywent through, or what they would like to see done as a result of that occupation," Rubin said.

He saidthe citizen's group will also be forward-looking, andnot interested in the finger-pointing that will invariably resultfrom the other inquiries.

"The community has to be better prepared, not just ...police security, but in terms of how they will deal with it and howgroups can take care of their own public safety, to an extent, and not live in fear," he said.

The commission is being held at the Ottawa Public Library's downtown branch. Organizers are seeking volunteers and donations.

A website launched Monday with more details on the commissionersand the structure of the group.