This week, the Free Press takes the unprecedented step of adding Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers assigned to the PLT division—Paul Richardson (Badge 12861) and Robert Hann (Badge 13409)—to its Hall of Shame.
We do not do this lightly. But what occurred at the recent North Huron council meeting was not routine policing. It was an attack on democracy, free speech, and a free press—and it demanded a response.
What Happened
During a public council meeting—the people’s house—two plain-clothes officers positioned themselves to intimidate members of the public and press who were asking questions and documenting proceedings. Rather than facilitating public order, their conduct had a chilling effect on lawful civic participation.
This was not crowd control.
This was deterrence.
And it crossed a line.
The Public Responded—Peacefully
What followed should be studied, not suppressed.
The public and press gallery rose together, calmly and lawfully. Cameras went up—not as weapons, but as shields. Citizens exercised their rights to observe, record, and report. In that moment, ordinary people did what institutions failed to do: they protected democracy.
No shouting. No threats. No violence.
Just cameras, courage, and calm resolve.
Why This Matters
Police intervention in peaceful, lawful civic questioning runs headlong into the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—including freedoms of expression, press, and assembly. The presence of police to discourage scrutiny inside a council chamber undermines public confidence and erodes the very legitimacy policing depends on.
This is why accountability matters—even when it comes via social justice channels like a Hall of Shame.
Why the Free Press Is Acting
Yes—this is unprecedented for us.
But so was the conduct we witnessed.
The Free Press exists to document, defend, and deter abuses of power. When public officials—elected or sworn—step beyond their mandate, sunlight is not optional. It is required.
A Message from Wingham
Wingham has sent a clear signal:
- Democracy will be defended in The Square Mile.
- Council chambers belong to the public.
- Intimidation has no place in civic life.
- Cameras stay up.
The public is taking back its council chambers, peacefully and lawfully. Any attempt by police to intervene in that democratic space—without cause—must be reviewed, and disciplinary action considered.
If formal accountability lags, public accountability will not.
Hall of Shame Inductees
- Paul Richardson — OPP / PLT (Badge 12861)
- Robert Hann — OPP / PLT (Badge 13409)
History remembers moments like this—not for the uniforms involved, but for the choices made.
In Wingham, the choice was clear.
Democracy stood its ground.
