Coutts protester expected to set trial date

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 11, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A southern Alberta woman facing several charges in relation to the protest and blockade near the Coutts border earlier this year, is expected to schedule a trial date when she returns to court next week.

Joanne Person, who appeared in Lethbridge provincial court Wednesday, is set to have a pre-trial conference today on a single charge of dangerous driving, during which time a trial date will be set then confirmed in court Aug. 19. Person is represented by Calgary lawyer Kelsey Sitar on that charge.

Person also faces charges of mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, on which she represents herself. Those charges return to court Aug. 26 to allow her time to meet with the Crown prosecutor and discuss possible early case resolution. Person previously elected to be tried by a Court of Queen’s Bench judge and jury on those charges.

The charges stem from an incident on Feb. 14 when RCMP arrested several individuals during the blockade of trucks and vehicles at the Coutts border, after becoming aware of a cache of firearms and ammunition. The charge of dangerous driving stems from an incident Feb. 1 when a pickup truck drove through the blockade and headed toward oncoming traffic before becoming involved in a head-on collision.

The protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other pandemic restrictions began late January and lasted until Feb. 15 when protesters began dispersing in response to the discovery of weapons.

Eight other individuals were also charged with mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and released on bail several months ago. Charges against two of the accused were stayed last month, while the remaining accused are scheduled for court appearances in the next few weeks. One of the accused is set for trial in December.

Four other individuals face the same charges plus a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. They have been detained following bail hearings in Court of Queen’s Bench.

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