A network of individuals, unions and community groups has come together as Community Solidarity Vancouver to counter the far right-led convoys coming to Vancouver on Saturday.
“These convoy participants come from outside our communities and do not represent us”, said a spokesperson for the group. “That is why we are calling on residents of Vancouver and the whole Lower Mainland to join us at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the plaza at the southeast corner of Homer and West Georgia. We will counter their effort to harass and intimidate journalists and other workers at the CBC building a block to the east.”
“The vast majority of Canadians have worked together over the past two years to keep each other safe,” said Michelle Fortin, one of the organizers. “The truckers who brought us food and supplies, medical workers who have kept us safe, teachers and staff who have reinvented teaching, frontline workers who have kept the lights on everywhere, and every single person who have followed public health guidelines.”
While the occupation of Ottawa and blocking of numerous border crossings have finally ended after unexplainable delays, it has not taken the steam out of this dangerous movement. In fact, the extended time during which they were accommodated by police and the warm welcome from many Conservative politicians only appears to have emboldened them. As did their extensive funding from both domestic and American sources seeking to unravel Canadian democracy, said the group.
“They are not like progressive social movements that organize non-violent protests to raise awareness of an injustice and gain public support”, added Bob Ages. “They know 90% of the population are in favour of reasonable public health measures and will never go down their bizarre rabbit holes of misinformation and conspiracy theories. These convoys are all about harassment, intimidation and solidifying their cult-like tribal identity.”
Community Solidarity Vancouver is concerned not just with the continuing convoys but what a larger and more emboldened far-right movement means for the future. “Their destination this week may be the CBC but their target is social responsibility, community solidarity and democracy itself. We have to come together to take the wind out of their sails and show we cannot be intimidated,” said Fortin.
