Convoy organizer ‘trying to bridge divided nation’ in Winnipeg

This weekend, hundreds of people are converging on a small property near Dugald, Manitoba, as the event organizer for the “World Unity Convoy” says he’s trying to bridge what he calls a divided nation.

“This a unity gathering.” says Walter Hiebert, who is hosting hundreds from across Canada associated with last year’s Freedom Convoy. “This is to unify the people across Canada and to bring us back together.”

Hiebert owns Camp Hope, which located roughly 10 minutes east of Winnipeg, the grounds where the “World Unity Convoy” is taking place.

“I followed what God put me to do and I have marked on this property where me and God were standing, in a dream,” said Hiebert. “He showed me to build this here – to bring people together in Canada.”

The event is aimed at healing versus the “division” that happened at the event in Ottawa says Hiebert, as he expects thousands of people to come to his property over the weekend.

Many at the event in Ottawa were heartbroken when they heard The Public Order Emergency Commission ruled the Liberal Government’s use of the Emergencies Act appropriate and hopes to clear up misconceptions about their movement.

“If we can help people understand that God is in this movement I think we’re going to get to a better place, and I want to leave that up to God,” said Hiebert.

“To deal with this Emergency Act, and I don’t want to focus on that – because when I focus on that Emergency Act I will lose focus on Camp Hope and what Camp Hope is built on, and Camp Hope is built on peace, love and unity.”

Manitoba RCMP said in a statement they are aware of the event and have been in regular contact with organizers to “ensure a safe environment for the general public, all who may be travelling on highways or roadways in Manitoba during the event, and those attending the event.”

Winnipeg Police also say they have been working with the RCMP and are ready to help if needed.

Colin “Big Bear” Ross, who is one of the organizers with the event, says people have the wrong idea about the event, which was originally set to take place in Winnipeg.

“Everybody is welcome here. We have an open door policy. If you don’t understand what we’re doing here, come see us. Come visit with us,” said Ross.

“Come break bread. There’s no racism. There’s no discrimination. I’m First Nation myself. This is all love and bringing people together for a better future.”

Participants arrived in Winnipeg on Feb. 17 and are expected to be in Dugald over the Family Day weekend.