From the Chair ~ 

The Legacy of Those Who Testified

Dear NCI Community

I trust you are aware of the recently announced Allison Inquiry scheduled for four days in September 2026. The Allison Inquiry describes itself as an opportunity for parliamentarians to hear the testimony of Canadians who were injured by the COVID vaccine.

I have been asked repeatedly my perspective on this effort by Dean Allison and the Conservative Party of Canada. While any effort to bring awareness to the consequences of the government’s response to COVID is appreciated, it is important to understand the significant restrictions placed upon this effort.

The Terms of Reference clearly state that the Inquiry is to “listen to Canadians” but is restricted from making findings of fact or to reach conclusions. It also acknowledges this inquiry is a “preliminary” effort and that Canada has yet to undertake any formal Parliamentary inquiry concerning the government’s response to Covid-19. This inquiry is not a government sanctioned inquiry. And while all members of Parliament are encouraged to attend and participate, the reality is that most members were on board with the actions that led to the harm and violation of the rights and freedoms of Canadians.

I suggest this inquiry underscores the importance of the National Citizens Inquiry. The NCI was initiated because of a fundamental belief that governments are unable to investigate themselves and that a citizen-led, citizen-funded body independent of government influence is needed. 

My issue with the inquiry is that it is a duplication of efforts that have already occurred. In 2023 – 2024 the NCI received the testimony of more than 350 witnesses who shared their experiences, observations, research, and concerns on the public record. All of it under oath. The NCI compiled the largest body of evidence on a government’s response to COVID, given under oath, in the world. 

Many did so at considerable personal or professional cost. Some risked their reputations, careers, relationships, and standing within their communities. Yet they testified because they believed their experiences mattered and that future generations deserved access to a complete historical record. The historical record already exists because ordinary Canadians were willing to bear witness.

Possibly even more valuable is the work of the NCI Commissioners. The testimony did not simply disappear into an archive. It was reviewed, considered, and ultimately distilled into findings and recommendations contained within the Commissioners Reports. Regardless of where individuals stand on every conclusion, the reports represent a serious effort to examine the evidence presented and provide recommendations for Canadians moving forward. You can access the Commissioner’s Reports here.

The work of receiving testimony has already been done. What is yet to be done is the willingness of Parliament to formally receive the testimony and to review the more than 400 recommendations put forward by the Commissioners who heard the testimony. That would show a real willingness to listen to Canadians and a commitment to accountability.

With gratitude,

Ted

Dr. Charles Hoffe

Tonight, we revisit the testimony of Dr. Charles Hoffe, a rural physician from Lytton, British Columbia, whose appearance before the National Citizens Inquiry in Vancouver in May 2023 became one of the most widely discussed medical testimonies presented during the COVID hearings.

Dr. Hoffe testified about informed consent, adverse event reporting, physician autonomy, and the challenges faced by medical professionals who raised concerns during the pandemic. His testimony reflected issues that would be echoed by many physicians, researchers, and members of the public throughout the Inquiry's hearings and would later contribute to the body of evidence reviewed by the Commissioners in developing their findings and recommendations.

As recent legal developments involving Dr. Hoffe have renewed public interest in his work and experiences, we invite viewers to revisit his testimony and hear directly from the physician himself.

In one of the most memorable moments of his testimony, Dr. Hoffe reflected on what he believed the pandemic had revealed about society:

"This entire pandemic has been a moral integrity test. There are some people who will do what they're told, no matter what. And there are some people who will do what is right, no matter what."

Join us for this week's rebroadcast and revisit testimony that remains an important part of the public record preserved by the National Citizens Inquiry.

The testimony presented before the National Citizens Inquiry did not simply disappear into an archive.

Over 42 hearing days, hundreds of witnesses contributed their professional expertise, research, observations, and personal experiences to a growing public record. Physicians, scientists, researchers, public servants, educators, injured individuals, and ordinary Canadians came forward to ensure their testimony would be preserved and examined.

That testimony was carefully reviewed by the Commissioners and ultimately informed the findings and recommendations contained within the Commissioners Reports.

The reports represent the culmination of thousands of pages of testimony and evidence presented during the COVID hearings. They address issues including informed consent, government transparency, public health policy, civil liberties, institutional accountability, and the lessons Canadians can draw from this unprecedented period in our history.

As we revisit witness testimony such as that of Dr. Charles Hoffe, we encourage you to explore the Commissioners Reports and the recommendations that emerged from the evidence presented before the Inquiry.

The testimony remains. The findings remain. The public record remains.

And because of the courage of those who testified, future generations will have access to a historical record that cannot easily be forgotten or rewritten.

As we prepare to release the Commissioners' Report on Are Children Safe in Canada? and continue hearings in Alberta later this summer, we invite you to help preserve Canada's independent public record.

Support the National Citizens Inquiry today.

The National Citizens Inquiry is citizens led and independent. Our hearings and public record exist only because Canadians choose to support open inquiry.

Support the 2026 Hearings

Please watch for announcements regarding upcoming National Citizens Inquiry hearings in 2026.

The need for careful listening, public testimony, and a transparent public record has not diminished. In many ways, it is only beginning.