In the face of a looming police crackdown in Ottawa, the Freedom Convoy 2022 organizers held what they called a “Pre-emptive SOS Conference” on February 7, 2022. They reiterated their position that “we will be absolutely peaceful, this will not be confrontational”. No mainstream media reps were present, the event was captured on cell phone cameras and posted immediately on social media channels.
What the cell phone cameras captured were the faces of a determined, intelligent group of ordinary Canadians. No fiery, angry rhetoric, no over-the-top, dramatic bravado, just men and women fully committed to what they see is a just cause. It was impressive.
Their “demands”? A chance to talk to their elected government leaders, to “sit down at a table to find a peaceful solution”, a chance to share their concerns over what they see is the harsh overreach into Canadians’ rights and freedoms.
Contrast this with Prime Minister Trudeau in the House of Commons earlier that same day. He was still doubling down on his position that every Canadian must be vaccinated, that the men and women of the Freedom Convoy 2022 are “anti-science” extremists and that they are causing pain and suffering to the citizens of Ottawa and therefore, all means must be used to stop their “insurrection”. Jordan Peterson says that the PM appears to believe his own propaganda, and Trudeau clearly displayed that in the House of Commons.
What is going on? Where is the justification for the threat of arrests and force, against such a peaceful group? Trudeau and his government have chosen to take a harsh stand against these protesters, and it feels wrong and disproportionate.
One thing that has been hopeful throughout these events and that is, despite the glaring lack of leadership from politicians at all levels, Canada’s integrity is intact in the hearts of its citizens.