Key Coutts Protest Figure Resigns as Town Councillor Ahead of Pre-Trial

Marco Van Huigenbos appears at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Nov. 8, 2022. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

An unofficial spokesperson for the 2022 Coutts protestors has resigned from his role as town councillor for Fort Macleod, citing upcoming personal and legal challenges that are likely to impact his work.

“In the near future I face significant challenges, both personal and legal,” Marco Van Huigenbos wrote in a Feb. 12 resignation letter. “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 for the town of Fort Macleod effective, February 13, 2024.”

Mr. Van Huigenbos became involved in the demonstration near the Canada-U.S. border at Coutts in early 2022, which was sparked in solidarity with the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other pandemic restrictions.

Protesters in a truck convoy leave the Canada-U.S. border crossing after demonstrating against COVID-19 mandates for over two weeks, in Coutts, Alberta, on Feb. 15, 2022. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Protesters demonstrating against COVID-19 mandates gather as a truck convoy blocks the highway at the U.S. border crossing in Coutts, Alta., on Feb. 2, 2022. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

The protestors left Coutts voluntarily on Feb. 14 after the RCMP uncovered numerous firearms at the protest site arrested 14 people. Mr. Van Huigenbos, who became an unofficial spokesperson for the protestors, said the demonstrators left because they wanted to “wrap this up in a peaceful way,” so as not to be associated with those arrested by the RCMP.

Mr. Van Huigenbos was later charged with mischief over $5,000 in connection with his role in the demonstration.

Mr. Van Huigenbos, who has been a town councillor for more than six years, told The Epoch Times that with his pre-trial set to commence on Feb. 26, he decided to “do right by the community.” He said the criminal charges he faces have brought negative associations for Fort Macleod, which was not his intention.

“My purpose and my intentions as councillor has always been to benefit... Fort Macleod and I feel that at this point, I can no longer do that,” he said. “It’s not that I can’t execute the role anymore. It’s just going to drag the town of Fort Macleod through the courts because they’re attached to me. And that is that’s why I made this decision to resign.”

Fort Macleod Chief Administrative Officer Anthony Burdett said the town respects Mr. Van Huigenbos’ decision to step down.

“Both the council and administration... have deeply valued Coun. Van Huigenbos’ keen ability to pose insightful inquiries that foster meaningful dialogue and his steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Mr. Burdett said in a Feb. 12 media release.

“We wish him the best and thank him for his dedicated time to Fort Macleod town council over the last six years.”