Freedom Convoy 2022

Freedom Convoy 2022

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Freedom Convoy 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine mandate protest that has swept the nation and garnered headlines around the world has made an impact far and wide.

While the largest contingent, an estimated 50,000 truckers, and several thousands of supporters are in the Nation’s Capital of Ottawa, several contingents

from the Vegreville area joined the ever-growing movement travelling to Nisku to meet up with other protesters before heading to Edmonton on Jan. 29 to participate in a large-scale rally there.

Freedom Convoy headed to Edmonton on Jan. 29.

(Sheena Ashcroft/Submitted Photo)

Vegreville area residents Shaun and Nicole Fried went with a group of family members, friends and neighbours, about 15 people in total, to show their

support for the truck drivers.

Vegreville RCMP blocked a couple of intersections for their contingent before they left town, and Nicole said they were very grateful to the RCMP for extending the courtesy. Horns were constantly blaring as they travelled on the QE2, circling on Anthony Henday Drive and then proceeding to the Alberta legislature grounds. The atmosphere was electric and exhilarating as people cheered them on throughout their journey.

Nicole said it took three hours just to travel three blocks as traffic was gridlocked in the downtown core.

Convoy in progress.

(Shaun and Nicole Fried/Submitted Photo)

“I didn’t realize how many of us there were that still valued freedom. This is not a vaxx vs. anti-vaxx moment. The segregation and anger this past two years has been so disheartening. I feel so proud to be able to freely and peacefully express my opinions. I believe in freedom of choice in regards to our bodies. Where there is risk there must be choice,” said Nicole.

Shaun said, “It was an amazing experience to see Canadians become unified against government overreach and fight for freedom. Freedom is the very thing that makes life worth living.”

Nicole’s friend, who asked to remain anonymous, described the experience by saying, “I was part of an amazing movement Saturday. It was a positive, uplifting experience that promoted unity, love and encouragement; and it succeeded in doing so.

From the mass of big rigs combined with cars and trucks, sprinkled with even a few tractors to the cheering crowds of people on foot standing on overpasses to filling the downtown core and surrounding the legislature was more than I ever expected.

The entire day just proved to me that people are just done with the division and the distrust that is tearing our world apart. It is not just about the vaccine mandate against truckers, it was and is about so much more.

It was the most unselfish thing I ever saw and this is just a fraction of what is happening in Ottawa and around the country. I don’t think people are realizing how huge this is and we are not just going to roll over any more. We can keep people safe, have a return of our rights and freedoms and still work together. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

It was peaceful and it was powerful and it was promising, but the most touching part of the day was when I got back home. I showed my son the videos and pictures from the day, and after he replied, “Now that looks like hope to me mom.” This is why we are doing this, hope for our future generations.”

Convoy in progress.

(Shaun and Nicole Fried/Submitted Photo)

Holden area resident Sheena Ashcroft participated in the convoy said it is not about being unvaccinated or vaccinated. “Do what you wish to with your own body.”

Ashcroft said it’s about cancelled surgeries, family and friends we haven’t been allowed to see, funerals of loved ones we haven’t been allowed to see, cancelled birthday parties, vacations, and sports to name a few of her examples.

“It’s the constant contradiction and changing rules. Our leaders, now dictators. Dividing us. Separating us…But it’s really been our freedom that’s been impacted the most. The freedom of choice. So, whether you agree with this Convoy or not, I think the majority of us are ready to have that back now, please. This is why I stand with myself and the truckers,” added Ashcroft.

Lance and Amanda Giebelhaus say they participated for the freedom of their children, families and neighbours as well as freedom from mandates and government control. “To support not just the truckers but to support our beliefs and everyone that has been affected.

We have followed the Freedom Convoy 2022 Facebook page from day one and we support them. They are trying to make a difference for everyone, not just themselves and everyone needs to know that.

The energy and support during the Alberta 2022 legislature slow roll convoy we participated in was absolutely beautiful and a true eye-opener that we are all in this together and we are not alone. The smiles, the laughter, the flags, the trucks, the horns, it was unreal and contagious, the feeling of hope was so strong and so surreal.”

Tina Warawa took a video of the convoy leaving Vegreville, and stated that, “Opposing something does not make you an extremist, and I went to show support because this group felt ignored and needed to find some way to be heard.

Nobody should ever feel unheard or that their opinions don’t matter. They are not anti-Alberta or even anti-Canada. They are actually the opposite. They proudly fly Alberta and Canada flags. This is not about vaccination status for them, it’s about preserving rights and freedoms.”

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong- Homeniuk said, “Being the daughter of a truck driver, I know how hard truck drivers work to bring us our daily goods, everything from food and medical equipment to gasoline. Truckers from across Canada are making their voices heard about how the Federal Government’s mandatory requirements for cross border truckers will impact our supply chains, industries and livelihoods.”