(Wingham, North Huron, ON) What began as a simple, respectful request to replace a tattered Canadian flag at the Wingham Cenotaph on December 1, 2025 has spiraled into a full-blown constitutional crisis — one that now threatens mass arrests if North Huron refuses to respect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
At the centre of the chaos: North Huron CAO Nelson Santos.
Instead of replacing a flag honouring the Fallen, Town Hall responded with intimidation. On December 15, two plainclothes OPP officers (PLT division) were seated in the public gallery — not to keep the peace, but to shut down questions and silence residents daring to demand basic respect for veterans and the community. That moment was a red line. Whoever called police into the gallery must be held accountable.
Things escalated quickly.
On January 12, police were summoned again. Two people were arrested. IDs were demanded. Public and press were expelled.
On February 2, the situation deteriorated further. Buck and Brad were arrested for passively recording a council meeting. Videos show they were not read their rights. Cameras were forcibly removed. Officers Foxton and Depatie refused recording inside the cruiser, creating what many are calling a “dark zone” — a place where words and actions go undocumented and accountability disappears.
Even more troubling: the CAO ordered cameras off while police stood at the chamber doors. The meeting’s microphone was cut at the start of the livestream — once again proving North Huron cannot be trusted to be the only one recording.
When the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) became involved, it was clear the situation had moved far beyond local politics. Yet, astonishingly, both CAO Santos and attending officers appeared unfamiliar with who or what the JCCF is.
Police later confirmed what constitutional law already makes clear: 24 hours is the maximum allowable exclusion, directly overriding the CAO’s vindictive attempt at a six-month ban. Officers themselves confirmed the CAO had overreached. Residents returned after arrest.
And now, with the February 17 council meeting approaching, residents fear a repeat — or worse.
Citizens have made it clear: they will not surrender their Charter rights, their dignity, or their country. If North Huron again refuses to honour lawful recording, free expression, and peaceful assembly, mass arrests are likely — not because residents are disruptive, but because Town Hall refuses to follow the law.
This is no longer about a flag. It’s about democracy itself.
CALL TO ACTION — FEBRUARY 17
- Meet-up: Freedom fighters and concerned residents will gather at Buck & Jo’s, 235 Josephine St., Wingham, at 4:00 PM.
- Council Meeting: 6:00 PM, 271 Frances St., Wingham.
Show up. Bring cameras. Stay peaceful. Know your rights.
North Huron must choose:
Respect the Charter — or own the consequences of breaking it.
Enough is enough.