'Judges of the facts': Jury selected for border blockade trial in Alberta
Potential jurors were quizzed Tuesday on their opinions about COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the blockade that paralyzed a major Canada-U.S. border crossing in Alberta.
Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk and Gerhard Janzen are charged with mischief over $5,000 in connection with the blockade near the village of Coutts that began in January 2022.
Justice Keith Yamauchi asked jurors in a Lethbridge courtroom about whether they were impacted by COVID-19 and if they had strong opinions about the Coutts blockade or the accused.
“I support their cause. I don’t believe in their actions,” said a man in his 40s, who was selected as a juror.
One woman laughed when asked if she had strong feelings about the blockade.
“That’s a loaded question,” she replied. “Strongly, no.”
She was also approved for the jury.
Another woman was excluded when asked about her impartiality. "I will try, but I may be a little biased," she said.
A man whose grandfather died in a seniors' home during the pandemic and another who said he felt strongly about the blockade, but didn’t specify why, were excused.
In the end, the judge welcomed eight men and six women to the jury box. Two are alternates, who could be excluded from final deliberations.
"You will be asked to set aside any biases so that you can analyze the evidence presented at trial fairly, without bias, prejudice, sympathy or partiality. Jurors are judges of the facts," said Yamauchi.
"They must approach the case with an open mind. They must be impartial. Set aside any prejudices and stereotypes that might affect how you decide this case."
Before jury selection, the accused met and shook hands with some of the dozens of supporters who gathered outside the courthouse. Some held up protest signs, including one that stated: Freedom is God Given Not Government Given.
Many then filled a hallway inside the building and sat in an overflow courtroom to hear a live feed of the court proceeding.
The trial is expected to start Wednesday with the Crown's opening statement.
It is scheduled to run until April 19.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Biden delivers remarks following Trump's win
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
New DNA evidence rewrites long-told stories of people in ancient Pompeii
When a volcanic eruption buried the ancient city of Pompeii, the last desperate moments of its citizens were preserved in stone for centuries.
PM Trudeau revives Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee after Trump win
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving a special cabinet committee dedicated to Canada-U.S. relations, following Republican Donald Trump's re-election.
The world's 10 richest people got a record US$64 billion richer from Trump's re-election
Wednesday wasn't just a good day for Donald Trump. The wealth of the world’s 10 richest people also soared by a record amount, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
Police in southern Mexico find 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway
Police in a southern Mexico region rife with drug cartel violence have found 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway, prosecutors in the state of Guerrero said Thursday.
Video shows suspect shooting man inside Markham, Ont. garage
Police have released video footage showing a suspect shooting a man inside a Markham garage in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.
Wayne Gretzky, Elon Musk and a few pro golfers: Here's who attended Trump's victory party
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump welcomed a variety of attendees at his victory celebrations in Florida this week, from his family, supporters and political allies to a selection of high-profile figures.
Who ruined Hobo Hot Springs? Ministry investigates as mystery roils Harrison, B.C.
The steaming waters in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, 130 kilometres east of Vancouver, could once be enjoyed in pools known as the Hobo Hot Springs for free — unlike the neighbouring Harrison Hot Springs Resort where users of its pools must be resort guests.
43 monkeys escape from a South Carolina medical lab. Police say there is no serious danger
Forty-three monkeys escaped from a compound used for medical research in South Carolina but the nearby police chief said there is "almost no danger" to the public.