MPP Hillier under investigation for part in anti-lockdown rally in Belleville
Posted April 19, 2021 1:17 pm.
Last Updated April 19, 2021 1:23 pm.
Ontario Independent MPP Randy Hillier is among those being investigated for his part in an anti-lockdown rally in Belleville, Ont.
Belleville Police Chief Mike Callaghan told Quinte News on Monday that the investigation is underway and that Hillier could, in fact, face charges as a result of the protest at West Zwick’s Park.
“We’ve commenced an investigation, we have identified some individuals, which we will be pursuing charges this week,” Callaghan said during an appearance on the Lorne Brooker Show.
“He [Hillier] is one of the individuals under investigation.”
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A vocal critic of Ontario’s COVID-19 rules and restrictions, Hillier has participated in lockdown rallies in the past.
Last October, Hillier joined a crowd of people at Queen’s Park, telling them that “more than 99 percent are not at risk of COVID. That’s a fact.”
“Doug Ford has used public opinion to remove our freedom and responsibilities. I’ve challenged [Ford] today to send out Toronto bylaw, send out Toronto police. I am the host. I am the organizer. Yes, I want them to exercise the unlawful laws that he has enacted.”
“That’s why he [Ford] isn’t here today. They want you to be scared,” Hillier said at the time.
Upwards of 200 people gathered in Belleville for the “No More Lockdown” protest on Friday.
The new anti-pandemic measures include further restrictions on social gatherings and essential retailers, the closure of some outdoor recreation centres, and a pause on non-essential construction projects.
In announcing them, Ford said the province was “on its heels” and new measures were urgently needed.
Essential retailers must lower capacity limits to 25 percent, indoor religious services are limited to 10 people, and non-essential construction has to shut down.
