NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh criticized a convoy of truckers heading to Ottawa to protest a federal mandate that requires all cross-border drivers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Singh accused some demonstrators of spreading “false information” through “inflammatory, divisive, and hateful remarks.” Additionally, records from GoFundMe reveal that Singh’s brother-in-law, Jodhveer Singh Dhaliwal, contributed $13,000 to the organization behind the protest, known as the “freedom convoy.”
‘Dangerous and divisive rhetoric’
In a statement to CBC News, Singh expressed his disapproval of a movement that promotes “extremist and dangerous views,” and he “unequivocally” condemned Dhaliwal’s donation. Singh stated, “[I] … disagree with him about this donation and told him so. I am against this convoy and the dangerous and divisive rhetoric coming from it.” He acknowledged that public frustration over the ongoing pandemic is understandable, but emphasized that vaccination and adherence to public health guidance are crucial for safety.
An NDP insider mentioned that Dhaliwal did not fully grasp the intended use of his donation. “There was a misunderstanding. Once he understood the true nature of this organization, a process was started to return the donation,” the source added. While awaiting the reversal from GoFundMe, Dhaliwal has concealed his name from the public donor list.
The protest is organized by Canada Unity, a group opposing COVID-19 measures. The organizers aim to pressure Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government to eliminate the vaccine mandate for truckers and other public health measures. Trudeau responded, noting that the majority of Canadians oppose the convoy’s views and highlighted that around 90 percent of Canadian truckers are vaccinated.
Political Reactions
Singh also condemned Conservative politicians who back individuals contesting public health measures, stating, “While not surprising, it is disturbing that Conservative MPs are supporting this convoy.” Support for the protest is growing among Conservative MPs, including deputy leader Candice Bergen, who has criticized vaccine mandates and expressed solidarity with the truckers.
Others, like Conservative finance critic Pierre Poilievre, have labeled the federal policy as a “vaccine vendetta” and criticized Trudeau and Singh for not acknowledging the frustrations of truckers involved in the convoy. Poilievre argued for a more supportive attitude towards those expressing disagreement with the mandates.
While a significant number of cross-border truckers are vaccinated, industry estimates suggest that 12,000 to 16,000 unvaccinated drivers could be sidelined due to this policy. Various business organizations, including the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, have urged the government to reconsider the mandate before it causes further supply shortages and price increases.
