‘Freedom Convoy 2.0’ in jeopardy as top organizer announces cancellation | 24CA News
Organizers and supporters of the “Freedom Convoy 2.0” are divided over whether or not one other occasion impressed by final yr’s disruptive protest within the capital will happen in Ottawa and Winnipeg subsequent month.
Several key figures from final February’s protest, which occupied the capital’s downtown streets for almost a month, insist folks will collect in Manitoba in mid-February regardless of a press launch from a foremost organizer claiming in any other case.
James Bauder, co-founder of the anti-government group Canada Unity and a co-organizer of final February’s protest in Ottawa, mentioned in a Facebook put up on Monday he was cancelling “Freedom Convoy 2.0” for unspecified safety causes.
“I have had several security breaches, and personal character attacks made against me and others on Team Canada Unity,” Bauder mentioned within the put up.
“As a result of these security breaches that are beyond our control, I cannot in good conscience guarantee public safety as I promised.”
In a textual content to CBC, Bauder wrote: “There will be no convoy anywhere in Canada be it Ottawa or Winnipeg with my name, with the Canada Unity Freedom Convoy brand.”
Bauder had initially known as for protests to return to Ottawa for a three-day demonstration beginning Feb. 17. He later mentioned that Ottawa could be a cease on the best way to a protest in Winnipeg.
Other supporters, in the meantime, contradicted Bauder’s assertions. Another organizer who introduced the convoy 2.0 plan for Winnipeg alongside Bauder claimed the occasion will transfer forward.
“Multiple people and groups are involved. The world unity convoy 2023 is not cancelled,” Ron Clark wrote in an e-mail to CBC.
Likewise, Tyson Billings — also called “Freedom George” — mentioned he nonetheless plans to attend a convoy gathering in Winnipeg subsequent month.
“I don’t know if there’s something still going to Ottawa or not,” he mentioned. “But the main convoy — the World Unity Convoy — is about unity and it’s about bringing the people together.”
Fractures emerge in motion
The blended messaging comes because the Freedom Convoy motion, which started as protests towards COVID-19 vaccination passports, masks and different well being mandates, seems to be dropping steam.
Infighting between members has led to a fracturing of the motion, leading to disagreements over particulars starting from the title of the occasion to its foremost objectives.
Bauder is among the many dozens of protesters and supporters dealing with prices for his or her involvement within the unique convoy protest.
Bail situations forestall him and lots of different acquainted names from returning to Ottawa.
Thousands of individuals in vans and vehicles occupied the capital in early 2022 to protest well being mandates and different authorities insurance policies. It got here to an finish after the Trudeau authorities invoked the Emergencies Act.
The federal authorities suspended obligatory vaccination for federal staff, home travellers and transportation employees in June 2022.
In an announcement to 24CA News, the Winnipeg Police Service mentioned it is “aware of online dialogue from a group regarding an event in February in Winnipeg.”
“We are assessing information but do not have any further comment to make at this time,” a Winnipeg police spokesperson mentioned in an e-mail.
