OTTAWA - The inquiry has been stopped today after a lawyer representing the Public Order Emergency Commission into the use of the Emergencies Act dropped midway through his questioning of a witness.
The video shows that he is struggling and grabs his water before dropping suddenly.
SASKTODAY.ca has reached out to the commission for comment on his condition. Out of respect for Gabriel Poliquin and his family, no details will be released about his health, said a commission spokesperson.
Media Relations from the public inquiry said that the hearing will resume at 3 p.m. EST this afternoon with testimony from Ian Freeman.
Inquiry's final report
On Feb. 14, to stop the trucker and freedom convoy protests, the Liberal government declared a public order emergency under the Emergencies Act. This was the first time in Canada’s history that the Emergencies Act had been invoked.
Ontario Justice Paul S. Rouleau is presiding over the inquiry, which is expected to wrap up on Nov. 25. Justice Rouleau’s final report with findings and recommendations must be tabled in the House of Commons and Senate of Canada by Feb. 20, 2023.
The hearings started Oct. 13 and are expected to run until Nov. 25 with 65 witnesses being called. Witnesses include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, Justice Minister David Lametti, as well as representatives from Ottawa Police, Ontario Provincial Police, CSIS, and lawyers from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. Members of the trucker convoy and freedom movement will also testify, including Pat King, Tamara Lich, Tom Marazzo, and Chris Barber.
Public invited to participate
The public is invited to contact the commission. They can email [email protected] , or write Public Order Emergency Commission, c/o Main Floor Security Desk, 90 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3.
Submissions should be one or two pages, up to about five pages. The public may provide supporting materials, if any, as attachments.
The Commission accepts anonymous submissions but asks that you identify your country of residence. All submissions will be read and considered by the Commission, and your submission may be referred to or quoted by the Commission either in a written report or during the public hearings. No identifying information will be used without your express permission.
If you have any questions about sending comments please email your questions to [email protected]
