(Wingham, North Huron) — The Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed their deployment of plain-clothes officers to the December 15, 2025 North Huron council meeting, where officers interfered with citizens attempting to ask questions prior to the meeting. Video of the incident has spread nationwide, attracting the attention of free-speech advocates, civil liberty monitors, and “The Chairman.”
Community organizers say that January 12 will not be a repeat of December 15.
“Any individual — including OPP-PLT members — who unlawfully interferes with peaceful and lawful public assembly, press freedoms, or attempts to unlawfully detain, threaten, or obstruct citizens may be subject to a citizen’s arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code of Canada,” the statement reads. “If a criminal offence is being committed in front of witnesses, the law allows citizens to detain the offender until uniformed police arrive.”
Organizers emphasize this is not a threat — it is a legal right.
Criminal Code Section 494(1) allows a citizen to arrest someone they “find committing an indictable offence,” and Section 25 requires that any such action be reasonable and lawful.
The goal, organizers say, is not confrontation — it is accountability and protection of democratic rights.
For residents, the moments before council meetings, when questions may be asked, represent one of the last meaningful opportunities for public democratic engagement. On Dec. 15, the OPP attempted to extinguish that spark. Instead, citizens and the press stood together, raised their cameras, and defended their rights.
On Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m., they say they will return — peacefully, lawfully, and unwaveringly.
