FEDERAL NDP critic for public safety, Alistair MacGregor, on Monday said that GoFundMe’s decision to end the convoy fundraiser is a win for the people of Ottawa and Canadian democracy, but they still have to answer for their involvement in the ongoing occupation.
In a statement, MacGregor said: “Important questions remain about how such a huge sum of money could be raised by anonymous donors and what their motivations were. People are rightly worried about American interference and what sort of standard is applied when donations are accepted. It’s not enough for GoFundMe to cancel the campaign as though there’s nothing to see here. Now, organizers who have supported hate and illegal activities have moved to another platform, GiveSendGo, known for providing support to Proud Boys, a listed terrorist entity.
“Ottawa citizens are being harassed by anti-vaccine protestors and are feeling unsafe where they live and work. Protestors have intimidated retail workers and small business owners. Residents were subjected to hateful symbols like Nazi flags, national monuments were desecrated and people have been assaulted. In other parts of the country, borders have been blocked and health care workers are being harassed while trying to care for our loved ones.
“The federal government hasn’t been showing the leadership necessary to address the current, ongoing situation or to reassure Canadians that platforms like this won’t be used in the future by individuals looking to undermine our democracy and ensure that it is limited to peaceful protests that do not promote hate.
“It’s crucial that we have a full investigation into the role platforms like GoFundMe play in events like these.
“Canadians expect answers and New Democrats will keep pushing to make sure they have them.”