‘Freedom convoy’ driven by self-interest, not just cause

Opinion

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This article was published 28/12/2022 (681 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg could play host to next year’s iteration of the so-called freedom convoy, which paralyzed central Ottawa for three weeks earlier this year.

Canada Unity organizer James Bauder, who was involved in the freedom convoy in Ottawa, and lesser-known protesters Colin Ross and Ron Clark, recently announced on social media a cross-Canada convoy will meet in Manitoba’s capital city on Feb. 17-20.

Why Winnipeg? Well, organizers say it’s because of the city’s location in the heart of Canada. Although, it could also be because Bauder, who was charged with mischief to obstruct property, disobeying a lawful court order and obstructing/resisting a peace officer after he was arrested in Ottawa, is under court-ordered conditions not to return to that city’s downtown.

It’s abundantly clear — now more than ever — the freedom convoy protest was never truly about COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other related health orders. Perhaps this was the motivation behind some of the protesters’ involvement in the convoy but mostly, the occupation was meant to crack Canadian culture and society while attempting to cultivate mistrust in government. The occupation generated anything but unity among Canadians.

Currently, there are no lockdowns, most COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been lifted — including those at the international border — and Canadian society has seemingly moved on from the brunt of the pandemic as people have returned to work, schools have reopened and masks are mostly an artifact of the past.

That said, what will the protesters in Winnipeg — if the convoy actually takes shape — protest? This remains unclear, but it proves the core of the freedom convoy movement is focused more on wreaking havoc and securing a page in Canada’s history books than acting with just cause.

Critics say it’s unlikely a Winnipeg convoy would resemble anything like the protest in Ottawa in terms of size and impact. But Manitoba isn’t short on convoy supporters. According to a Sun report earlier this year, Manitobans collectively donated US$145,172 to an online convoy fundraiser.

Casting disbelief on the group only serves to embolden members. Even if the threat is low, it should still be taken seriously and requires action from our provincial government.

A government spokesperson told media this week officials are gathering information about the event.

While it’s important for government to respect Canadians’ right to peaceful and lawful protest, we must consider the harm done to Ottawa residents during those three weeks of mayhem on Parliament Hill. We heard their stories in the news and during the Emergencies Act Inquiry, which wrapped up earlier this month. The economy was also hurt as blockades sequestered trade routes in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, which triggered the Emergencies Act in the first place.

Winnipeg already got a taste of the convoy earlier this year when a smaller group of protesters camped in front of the Manitoba legislature. The occupation blocked traffic and caused fear and frustration among residents who had to deal with the excessive noise. The Progressive Conservatives failed to move quickly, and the occupation only ended after police issued an ultimatum to protesters.

Second chances in life are rare, and the Tories failed to use their first wisely. With a provincial election on the horizon, they should consider their past missteps carefully.