Nova Scotia outlaws support gatherings for freedom convoy

As the 2022 Freedom Convoy began rolling into Ottowa on Friday in protest of vaccine mandates, the province of Nova Scotia outlawed gathering along the interprovincial highway to support the convoy. 

The press release from the Nova Scotian government, which they called a “Highway Blockade Ban”, specifically singled out support for the convoy. 

“The directive also applies to people who stop or gather alongside Highway 104, the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border, or at the Cobequid Pass toll area in support of the 2022 Freedom Convoy, the Atlantic Hold the Line event, or others organized to interfere with traffic,” the statement said. “Allowing people to gather in those areas would put themselves and others at risk.” 

The province threatened a $10,000 fine for individuals who disobey the directive, and $100,000 for corporations who disobey. 

“This has truly crossed a line,” tweeted renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson. “What the hell are you thinking @TimHoustonNS? How dare you make it illegal for Canadians to express their political opinions? Your actions have crossed the line into outright political illegitimacy. Beware.” 

But not all provinces were quick to deny their citizens’ rights. 

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe penned a letter in support of the convoy and pledged to end vaccine mandates. 

The letter began by thanking truckers for putting themselves at risk throughout the pandemic. While most people were told to stay home, truckers “delivered the things the people in Saskatchewan needed to live.” 

“We asked you to keep working, despite the risk, because of how much we rely on you to keep our shelves stocked, our economy going, and our communities open,” said Moe. 

He continued the letter by saying that he is fully vaccinated and recommends the COVID-19 vaccine but does not support mandates. 

“That said, because vaccination is not reducing transmission, the current federal border policy for truckers makes no sense,"  wrote Moe. "An unvaccinated trucker does not pose any greater risk of transmission than a vaccinated trucker,”

He continued: “However, the current federal policy does pose a significant risk to Canada’s economy and to the supply chain in our Saskatchewan communities, where you and I live. This federal policy will increase the cost of living, which is now rising at a rate that is creating significant hardship for many Canadians. That is why my government supports your call to end the cross-border ban on unvaccinated truckers and it is why, in the not-too-distant future, our government will be ending or proof of negative test/proof of vaccination policy in Saskatchewan.”