Witness Testimony

Leighton Grey, an Alberta litigation lawyer, testified regarding his involvement in multiple COVID-19-related legal challenges, including the Ingram case contesting Alberta’s lockdown measures under the Charter and the Public Health Act. He described cross-examining Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw and stated that evidence revealed Cabinet involvement in drafting public health orders issued in her name. He testified that the government initially produced no scientific evidence supporting lockdown measures and that court proceedings were subject to delays. He characterized judicial deference to executive authority and reliance on judicial notice as significant features of pandemic litigation.
Grey also described representing pastors James Coates and Timothy Stephens, who were jailed for violating public health restrictions related to worship services. He stated that Pastor Coates was detained for 35 days after refusing bail conditions restricting his preaching, and that Pastor Stephens was arrested and jailed in relation to an injunction governing public gatherings. He further testified that procedural irregularities occurred in Stephens’ arrest and that charges were ultimately dismissed.
In addition, Grey testified about representing unionized employees placed on unpaid leave for refusing vaccination mandates, stating that collective bargaining structures and union decisions limited access to judicial remedies. He discussed informed consent principles in relation to vaccination and indicated that vaccine injury litigation is developing, including potential class actions. Grey expressed concern about politicization in judicial appointments, the functioning of administrative tribunals, and erosion of public confidence in legal, medical, and governmental institutions during the pandemic.