‘Freedom convoy’ reunion coming to Winnipeg because of weak police response, says community organizer

A community organizer who strongly opposed the “freedom convoy” protests earlier this year says the truckers are not welcome in Winnipeg.

“They’re uninvited. No one wants them here,” said Omar Kinnarath with Defend Winnipeg.

A “freedom convoy” reunion is scheduled for Feb. 17-20 in Winnipeg, according to organizers.

“Alright ladies and gentleman, so big announcement today. The World Unity Convoy will be in Winnipeg Manitoba. That is our announcement today. That is our gift to you,” said Colin ‘Big Bear’ Ross in a live feed on the Canada Unity Facebook page on Christmas Day.

“It’s the middle point in Canada, so people can come from the east coast, from the west coast. We’ll be able to convoy across the nation.”

The last thing anyone wants is to organize against these clowns. @ScottGillingham do you have a plan or are you just going to say pretty please leave like your predecessor. While the citizens of this city get harassed We will be ready, I suggest this city do the same. https://t.co/yv4yqb9RPk

— #defendwpg (@defendwpg) December 26, 2022

Protesters against COVID-19 restrictions occupied downtown Ottawa in February. There were also protests in various cities across Canada, including Winnipeg.

A group of vehicles, including a handful of semi-trailers and some farm equipment, began occupying a block of Memorial Boulevard, just outside the main entrance to the legislature grounds, on Feb. 4.

They raised a giant American and Canadian flag and had signs calling for freedom from mandates.

The group blared horns and even used a train horn to make significant noise in the downtown area.

The group departed 19 days later after police issued an ultimatum that protesters could face charges or have their vehicles and other assets seized if they did not remove them.

Lack of Winnipeg police response?

Kinnarath, whose group provided ear plugs to Winnipeg residents to block out the noise earlier this year, says organizers have chosen Winnipeg because of the lack of police response in February.

“They were pretty much like handed the keys to the city when they came here,” said Kinnarath. “They received preferential treatment by the police and they were basically protected here for three weeks.

“If anything the police should be sending the message that the law will be enforced this time around. That they will be ticketed for noise violations, for parking violations, for belligerency.”

On Wednesday, police said in a statement they are “aware of online dialogue from a group regarding an event in February in Winnipeg” and are assessing the information.

Kinnarath isn’t the only one who feels the city’s location is not what’s bringing demonstrators to the city.

NDP blames Progressive Conservatives

NDP justice Critic Nahanni Fontaine says it’s because the provincial government failed to act.

“It’s no surprise the convoy is heading back to Manitoba,” Fontaine said in a statement Tuesday. “Premier (Heather) Stefanson refused to tell them to leave and now they feel at home in our community. Instead of protecting families and small business owners, Premier Stefanson gave the convoy a free pass. Their presence disrupted local businesses and families, and cost our economy $438 million at the border.

“Because of the PCs weak response, the convoy feels more at home here than anywhere else in Canada.”

The premier’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by CityNews.

Kinnarath says Defend Winnipeg is prepared to counter the demonstrations. He hopes police take action this time to prevent what he says could become a “dangerous and volatile situation” for Winnipeg and its residents.

“I expect the same from the police, (but) I want to be proven wrong.”

—With files from The Canadian Press