Fort Macleod town councillor charged in Coutts border protest steps down
![Marco Van Huigenbos steps down Marco Van Huigenbos, a Fort Macleod town councillor, stepped down during Monday's council meeting ahead of his upcoming trial for charges in connection with the Coutts border protest. (File)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/2/14/marco-van-huigenbos-steps-down-1-6768400-1707921301919.jpg)
A Fort Macleod town councillor who is set to go on trial for his role in the Coutts, Alta., border protest has resigned.
Marco Van Huigenbos made the announcement during Monday's council meeting.
"In the near future I face significant challenges, both personal and legal," Van Huigenbos said during the meeting.
"These challenges may indirectly cast our community and my role on council in a negative light. In consideration of this and my own personal convictions, I have made the difficult decision to resign as councillor."
He went on to say that it was a "privilege and honour" to serve the town for six-and-a-half years.
Van Huigenbos, along with fellow protesters Alex Van Herk and George Janzen, were both charged with mischief in connection with the protest that shut down traffic at the Coutts, Alta., border crossing in early 2022.
Police say the trio were key participants in the blockade.
The trial is expected to begin in April and Fort Macleod will hold a by-election for the vacant seat at a later date.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.