OPP charge Hillier for role in Kemptville anti-lockdown rally

Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP Randy Hillier has been charged by the OPP for his role in an anti-lockdown mask burning rally held at the South Branch Bistro in Kemptville April 8. He was one of four people charged for their roles in the rally. The other three were two of Hillier’s sons and his daughter.

Hillier, who lives near Perth, became well known in Manotick, Richmond and other rural south Ottawa communities in 2006 when he was the founding president of the Ontario Landowners Association. At that time, the Carleton County Landowners were running a de-amalgamation campaign with “Carleton County Yes” billboards erected throughout South Carleton.

The event in Kemptville was organized by a group called No More Lockdowns. Hillier was identified by police as one of the event’s organizers.

South Branch Bistro was also charged by the OPP. Earlier in the month, they had their liquor license suspended by the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission. The organization said its officials found customers drinking alcohol in the restaurant, on its patio and in the parking lot. They also alleged people, including staff and children, were not wearing masks, and physical distancing was not being observed.

In a statement posted on Facebook Thurs., April 29, Hillier wrote people “do not need to be afraid of charges and tickets like these, they will not hold up in court, and I am confident the courts will nullify all of Doug Ford’s unlawful charges.”

He is scheduled to appear in court in Brockville June 24.