Fort Macleod councillor reprimanded for part in Coutts border blockade
By Lethbridge Herald on April 16, 2022.
A Fort Macleod Councillor has been reprimanded for his part in the Coutts Border Crossing blockade.
A letter issued by the Town of Fort Macleod to Councillor Marco Van Huigenbos, one of the organizers at the Coutts Border Crossing blockade, was read by Mayor Brent Feyter at the March 28 meeting of Council.Â
The letter referenced the fact that Van Huigenbos’ behavior was unacceptable and any further instance of unacceptable behavior may result in further sanction.
“Our citizens expect the highest standards of conduct from the members it elects to Council for the Town of Fort Macleod,” the letter stated. “As a member of Town Council you are a public figure and your words and actions reflect not only on yourself, but also on Council as a whole and the Town at large.”
The letter added “Provincial, and even national, media reports quote you as being “one of the organizers” and “a spokesperson” of the Coutts border blockade and identify you as being a “town councillor in Fort Macleod.” Your admitted, and very public, involvement with the Coutts border blockade is in direct violation of your obligations under the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw.”
The letter stated Council respects the right of peaceful protest.
“But that does not extend to organizing an illegal blockade of a highway and border crossing that halted international travel and trade for over two weeks and disrupted our municipal neighbour the Village of Coutts.
“Simply put, Council does not tolerate such behaviour.”
In accordance with Council’s direction, the letter was issued as a Formal Letter of Reprimand and was publicly posted on the Town’s website for purposes of accountability and transparency.
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A firm reprimand by the Town of Fort Macleod.