Fort Macleod, Alberta (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Fort Macleod councillor reprimanded for role in Coutts convoy

Apr 12, 2022 | 4:31 PM

FORT MACLEOD, AB – Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter says it is the first time he has had to reprimand a member of town council.

At the March 28, 2022, regular meeting of council in Fort Macleod, a letter of reprimand was issued against councillor Marco Van Huigenbos. The letter was made public on April 6 and can be read on the town of Fort Macleod’s website here.

The letter outlines council’s “grave concerns” regarding Van Huigenbos’ behaviours at the Coutts convoy.

“Provincial, and even national, media reports quote you as being ‘one of the organizers’ and ‘a spokesperson’ of the Coutts border blockade and identify you as being a ‘town councillor in Fort Macleod,'” reads a section of the letter.

“Your admitted, and very public, involvement with the Coutts border blockade is in direct violation of your obligations under the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw.”

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“To be clear, Council respects the right of peaceful protest, but that does not extend to organizing an illegal blockade of a highway and border crossing that halted international travel and trade for over two weeks and disrupted our municipal neighbour the Village of Coutts.”

“Simply put, Council does not tolerate such behaviour.”

It is outlined in the letter that members of council are elected to a position of public trust and that members have a duty to act in good faith and in the best interests of the Town of Fort Macleod at all times.

Two sections of the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw were specifically quoted.

Section 5.1 (d) states that “Members shall arrange their private affairs and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public confidence and will bear close public scrutiny.”

Section 8.1 states that “Members shall uphold the law established by the Parliament of Canada and the Legislature of Alberta and the bylaws, policies and procedures adopted by Council.”

The issuing of the letter is the only action being taken against Van Huigenbos at this time, although he has been warned that any further actions that are deemed unacceptable may result in further sanctions.

At the council meeting, the letter was read out loud verbatim.

Mayor Feyter asked if anyone had any questions or would like to provide any additional comments. Nobody spoke up.

LNN reached out to Van Huigenbois to see if he would like to give any further comments on this matter. He declined.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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