OTTAWA (Tuesday, Dec. 6 2022) — The Ottawa People’s Commission on the Convoy Occupation (OPC) will complete its final round of hearings this week, concluding December 10th on Human Rights Day with a public hearing in Vanier.
This final hearing will center the experiences of Vanier, Overbrook, and Sandy Hill residents and businesses, many of whom found their lives and livelihoods disrupted by the convoy and nearby Coventry Road staging area.
Saturday’s hearing will also feature testimony by former Somerset ward councillor Catherine McKenney. OPC has heard from more than 150 residents through public hearings, community consultations, and written submissions, and many have highlighted McKenney’s key role in organizing safety walks, delivering groceries, and advocating for the safety of residents.
The final public hearings are scheduled to take place:
- Tuesday Dec 6, 7 – 9:15 pm – online
- Wednesday Dec 7, 7 – 9:15 pm – online
- Saturday Dec 10, 2 – 4:15 pm – in person at Centre Pauline-Charron, 164 Jeanne Mance Street, Vanier
People wishing to appear before the Commission can register at opc-cpo.ca. Community members are encouraged to continue sharing written accounts of their experiences during the occupation and proposals for remedial action after public hearings end.
This final slate of hearings follows news that OPC has received a substantial new gift from the Ottawa Community Foundation to help fund its grassroots inquiry into the severe and lingering impacts of the convoy occupation.
The Commission will release an interim report documenting the community’s experience early next year to mark the anniversary of the convoy. A final report including recommendations will follow in the spring.
For more information, visit opc-cpo.ca or contact:
Gaëlle Muderi, OPC Project Coordinator
[email protected] or 343-451-6352
Rachel Carmichael Campbell, OPC Communications Officer
[email protected] or 343-451-6557
