A night with the untouchables

I live in downtown Ottawa, right in the middle of the trucker convoy protest. They are literally camped out below my bedroom window. My new neighbours moved in on Friday and they seem determined to stay. I have read a lot about what my new neighbours are supposedly like, mostly from reporters and columnists who write from distant vantage points somewhere in the media heartland of Canada. Apparently the people who inhabit the patch of asphalt next to my bedroom are white supremacists, racists, hatemongers, pseudo-Trumpian grifters, and even QAnon-style nutters. I have a perfect view down Kent Street – the absolute ground zero of the convoy. In the morning, I see some protesters emerge from their trucks to stretch their legs, but mostly throughout the day they remain in their cabs honking their horns. At night I see small groups huddled in quiet conversations in their new found companionship. There is no honking at night. What I haven’t noticed, not even once, are reporters from any of Canada’s news agencies walking among the trucks to find out who these people are. So last night, I decided to do just that – I introduced myself to my new neighbours.

The Convoy on Kent Street. February 2, 2022.

At 10pm I started my walk along – and in – Kent Street. I felt nervous. Would these people shout at me? My clothes, my demeanour, even the way I walk screamed that I’m an outsider. All the trucks were aglow in the late evening mist, idling to maintain warmth, but all with ominously dark interiors. Standing in the middle of the convoy, I felt completely alone as though these giant monsters weren’t piloted by people but were instead autonomous transformer robots from some science fiction universe that had gone into recharging mode for the night. As I moved along I started to notice smatterings of people grouped together between the cabs sharing cigarettes or enjoying light laughs. I kept quiet and moved on. Nearby, I spotted a heavy duty pickup truck, and seeing the silhouette of a person in the driver’s seat, I waved. A young man, probably in his mid 20s, rolled down the window, said hello and I introduced myself. His girlfriend was reclined against the passenger side door with a pillow to prop her up as she watched a movie on her phone. I could easily tell it’s been an uncomfortable few nights. I asked how they felt and I told them I lived across the street. Immediate surprise washed over the young man’s face. He said, “You must hate us. But no one honks past 6pm!” That’s true. As someone who lives right on top of the convoy, there is no noise at night. I said, “No, I don’t hate anyone, but I wanted to find out about you.” The two were from Sudbury Ontario, having arrived on Friday with the bulk of the truckers. I ask what they hoped to achieve, and what they wanted. The young woman in the passenger seat moved forward, excited to share. They said that they didn’t want a country that forced people to get medical treatments such as vaccines. There was no hint of conspiracy theories in their conversation with me, not a hint of racist overtones or hateful demagoguery. I didn’t ask them if they had taken the vaccine, but they were adamant that they were not anti-vaxers.

The next man I ran into was standing in front of the big trucks at the head of the intersection. Past middle age and slightly rotund, he had a face that suggests a lifetime of working outdoors. I introduced myself and he told me he was from Cochrane, Ontario. He also proudly pointed out that he was the block captain who helped maintain order. I thought, oh no, he might be the one person keeping a lid on things; is it all that precarious? I delicately asked how hard his job was to keep the peace but I quickly learned that’s not really what he did. He organized the garbage collection among the cabs, put together snow removal crews to shovel the sidewalks and clear the snow that accumulates on the road. He even has a salting crew for the sidewalks. He proudly bellowed in an irrepressible laugh “We’re taking care of the roads and sidewalks better than the city.” I waved goodbye and continued to the next block.

My next encounter was with a man dressed in dark blue shop-floor coveralls. A wiry man of upper middle age, he seemed taciturn and stood a bit separated from the small crowd that formed behind his cab for a late night smoke. He hailed from the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. He owned his own rig, but he only drove truck occasionally, his main job being a self-employed heavy duty mechanic. He closed his shop to drive to Ottawa, because he said, “I don’t want my new granddaughter to live in a country that would strip the livelihood from someone for not getting vaccinated.” He introduced me to the group beside us. A younger crowd, I can remember their bearded faces, from Athabasca, Alberta, and Swift Current Saskatchewan. The weather had warmed, and it began to rain slightly, but they too were excited to tell me why they came to Ottawa. They felt that they needed to stand up to a government that doesn’t understand what their lives are like. To be honest, I don’t know what their lives are like either – a group of young men who work outside all day with tools that they don’t even own. Vaccine mandates are a bridge too far for them. But again, not a hint of anti-vax conspiracy theories or deranged ideology.

I made my way back through the trucks, my next stop leading me to a man of East Indian descent in conversation with a young man from Sylvan Lake, Alberta. They told me how they were following the news of O’Toole’s departure from the Conservative leadership and that they didn’t like how in government so much power has pooled into so few hands.

The rain began to get harder; I moved quickly through the intersection to the next block. This time I waved at a driver in one of the big rigs. Through the rain it was hard to see him, but he introduced himself, an older man, he had driven up from New Brunswick to lend his support. Just behind him some young men from Gaspésie, Quebec introduced themselves to me in their best English. At that time people started to notice me – this man from Ottawa who lives across the street – just having honest conversations with the convoy. Many felt a deep sense of abuse by a powerful government and that no one thinks they matter.

Behind the crowd from Gaspésie sat a stretch van, the kind you often see associated with industrial cleaners. I could see the shadow of a man leaning out from the back as he placed a small charcoal BBQ on the sidewalk next to his vehicle. He introduced himself and told me he was from one of the reservations on Manitoulin Island. Here I was in conversation with an Indigenous man who was fiercely proud to be part of the convoy. He showed me his medicine wheel and he pointed to its colours, red, black, white, and yellow. He said there is a message of healing in there for all the human races, that we can come together because we are all human. He said, “If you ever find yourself on Manitoulin Island, come to my reserve, I would love to show you my community.” I realized that I was witnessing something profound; I don’t know how to fully express it.

As the night wore on and the rain turned to snow, those conversations repeated themselves. The man from Newfoundland with his bullmastiff, a young couple from British Columbia, the group from Winnipeg that together form what they call “Manitoba Corner ” all of them with similar stories. At Manitoba Corner a boisterous heavily tattooed man spoke to me from the cab of his dually pickup truck – a man who had a look that would have fit right in on the set of some motorcycle movie – pointed out that there are no symbols of hate in the convoy. He said, “Yes there was some clown with a Nazi flag on the weekend, and we don’t know where he’s from, but I’ll tell you what, if we see anyone with a Nazi flag or a Confederate flag, we’ll kick his fucking teeth in. No one’s a Nazi here.” Manitoba Corner all gave a shout out to that.

As I finally made my way back home, after talking to dozens of truckers into the night, I realized I met someone from every province except PEI. They all have a deep love for this country. They believe in it. They believe in Canadians. These are the people that Canada relies on to build its infrastructure, deliver its goods, and fill the ranks of its military in times of war. The overwhelming concern they have is that the vaccine mandates are creating an untouchable class of Canadians. They didn’t make high-falutin arguments from Plato’s Republic, Locke’s treatises, or Bagehot’s interpretation of Westminster parliamentary systems. Instead, they see their government willing to push a class of people outside the boundaries of society, deny them a livelihood, and deny them full membership in the most welcoming country in the world; and they said enough. Last night I learned my new neighbours are not a monstrous faceless occupying mob. They are our moral conscience reminding us – with every blow of their horns – what we should have never forgotten: We are not a country that makes an untouchable class out of our citizens.

994 thoughts on “A night with the untouchables”

  1. Thank you for taking the time to write this very well articulated account of your experience. It will be a valuable documentation of the truth of the “protest” and the people involved. This has unified the country like nothing in history … You are fortunate to be at the epicentre of a phenomena that will play a great part in changing our world and moving us into the bright future. Kudos and congratulation and salutes to you for your courage and bravery to speak against the Machine that has destroyed so many jobs, businesses, relationships, and lives … and that is the Machine of the corrupt Mainstream bought out Media. They truly are the Enemy of Unity and the People.

  3. What a great post. I drive a truck down here in Australia and I would love to see the same thing happen here.

    To all my Canadian mates, you have my respect.

    Pat

  4. Canadian ex-pat, former Ottawa resident living in Dubai. Teared up also reading this. Thank you for writing, thank you for walking and thank you for sharing.

  6. Thanks for posting the truth of the matter, despite the obvious media induced fear you were experiencing.

    You were able to fight that fear and walk over to where those scary “racist misogynist” far right extremists were congregating. That was brave.

    Maybe you’ll find the courage to do more of that sort of investigative citizen journalism in future.

    W

  7. Years ago, I lived in Ottawa for four years. My two favorite places were the downtown market and the museum of Fine Arts. I don’t like big cities, but I had to take refuge there for a while and I met some beautiful people who became family.
    All this to say that when I read about the truckers driving to Ottawa, my heart jumped. I have been eagerly following the whole thing few times every day. I wish I could be there with you guys and I envy you.
    This is the Canada I want: people who share in simplicity and desire to bring happiness. People who have a commun vision and goal. We want a saine and knitted together society, one that values each and everyone, one that takes care of each other.
    Thank you David, I too, was walking with you, holding your hand and cheering with emotion and satisfaction. I could see what you saw… felt what you fell… the hesitation, the curiosity, and the awe. And I agree, you are a talented writer, as you are able to bring color, feelings, smells, tactile and on and on to your narrative.
    God bless you David.
    Anne-Marie

  8. Later at night, reading this beautiful story brought me back to my memory 9 years ago when first arriving in Canada, all of kindness and peaceful society，neighbourhood.
    Experienceing same kind of silent night, snowing street with glamour light of lamps, I was starting the trip to working place at wake of 6am.
    We brace for Canada dream , dillgent and working hard, supporting each others.

    Shame these fat rats with easy money but hiding in cottages mansions, mocking and defaming the brave souls. The country now was stolen.

    1. Thank you for these heartfelt words. Our country has been stolen, by ineffectual largely uncaring leaders. I’m so proud that hard working truckers stood up and did what the lazy politicians and fearful health authorities couldn’t; bring us together for a cause .

  9. Thank you for taking the time to understand what is happening to Canadians the governments and many citizens have decided to vilify and denigrate purely because they made a different medical choice. Intolerant Canadians have a lot to learn from you, David. God Bless.

  10. I would have loved to be around on this night you spent with the rebels. The fact the power is dehumanizing any dissenter should be alarming for every free mind and freedom lover.

  11. A beautiful piece of writing – honest and heartfelt. Thank you for venturing out to meet our true Canadian heroes. You have a warm and open heart as do they. Please keep spreading your story of truth, comradery and respect. Our politicians could learn from you.

  12. Wow! What a story! Kudos for a) taking the risk of going out to meet the truckers and b) putting your story out there. You’ve taken a trip across our great country in one night.

  13. Finally! Some truth about these determined, brave people. We have never believed all the rhetoric from Govt and the media about all the nasty bits, the extremists and hangers on. That was their way of making these people with their legitimate concerns seems dangerous and “other”. The PM needs to man up and do the right things here, but he does not have the courage that these truckers have. Thank you! You did what all the MP’s and the journalists should have been doing all along. Talking with these people. Well done.

    1. It was never explained why they don’t want to take the vaccine. The vaccines have been proven safe. Over a billion doses administered with few adverse effects. On the other hand, being fully vaccinated and boosted very likely protects one from hospitalization and death.

      I’m fully vaccinated and boosted and I wear an N95 mask anytime I go out. It protects me and it protects my neighbors just in case I get an asymptomatic infection.

      I’m glad I’m vaccinated. I’m glad my parents got me vaccinated against polio when I was young. I like not having polio, and the other diseases I was vaccinated against.

      I really don’t understand this small minority who selfishly put their own egos ahead of the public good.

      1. A voice of logic and reason. One of the few I’ve seen in 30 minutes of reading comments. Lots of emotional commenting going on without acknowledging some simple truths. You

  14. It’s taken 6 years for a hateful, deceitful, vindictive PM to divide Canadians and destroy the very fabric of Canadian society.

    It’s taken a group of gruff yet caring, hearts-on-their-sleeves truckers, plus their extended family of supporters, a mere 2 weeks to get Canadians back in touch with their humanity. All it took was a whole bunch of diesel exhaust, plaid flannel shirts, PocketWarmers and … a determined Canadian message. A message that is now resonating around the world.

    David … if only more Canadians would just get reacquainted with their humanity and Canadian values the way you did. Thank you for reaching out to your new “neighbours” and for writing about your experience so eloquently.

    “Ideologies separate us; dreams and anguish bring us together.”- Eugene Ionesco

      1. Thank you, Mary.

        I believe the sentiment of my comment resonates with so many Canadians, despite the relentless smearing and doxxing of decent, upstanding Canadians by our propagandist media.

        David, if you’ll allow me … anyone reading this blog post might want to check out B.C.-based author, Christopher di Armani, (@ThatLibertyGuy / Twitter) and his 2-Minute Freedom Challenge (https://2minutefreedomchallenge.com/). I went so far as to send Christopher a link to your blog post. Christopher’s readers are now reading your blog post …

    2. I’m so proud to be Canadian again. I lost my faith for a bit, feeling for the first time in my life that my government hated me and our Canada. Thank you, David, for writing this. It truly warmed my heart and gave me back hope for Canada and our future. I feel better.

    3. Another well written response to David’s excellent letter. I just have to say I think it has taken much less than 6 years to break and divide our beloved country.

  17. I am so incredibly grateful to you for meeting with our truckers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this essay and for hearing our voices!

  18. Thank you Sir, for your unbiassed opinion. Its a shame the media we fund would never publish a piece like this.

    From a proud Albertian

  20. What a delightful, sincere and refreshing read. Thanks for making the time to meet with these important Canadians and for sharing. For those of us who can’t attend in person, reading of your encounters was the next best thing.

  21. Thank you for showing that you have the same heart and humanity that the truckers are showing us all.

    2. Just reading your words I can’t help but let the tears fall. I am so sorry and I pray your child recovers.

    3. I am so sorry to hear that your child was injured by this so called vaccination. I do hope he or she can recover. God bless.

  23. Thank you David! You have inspired an old man with your patriotism and sensitivity to Canadians who feel they have no voice in our political process.

    1. I think you have hit the nail on the head. I think many Canadians feel they no longer have a voice and are frustrated that they don’t know how to be heard, especially those of us who live in rural areas and small towns. Our wonderful country is being divided greatly and it is very sad. Trudeau needs to get off his “throne” and take a walk with David and meet his neighbours. It is not about “meeting demands”, but taking “THE TIME TO LISTEN”. Trust fund babies don’t have to worry about how they will support themselves or their families. To David: good for you for going out and listening to the reality on your streets and letting us know what it is really like, in your well written letter.

  24. Thank you for your candid and honest recount of your evening. Thank you for taking the time to meet your new neighbours. Thank you for listening. And thank you for enduring the horns. There is nothing but 100% respect for those of you living in Ottawa and dealing with the onslaught of new residents. We appreciate you. There are 2 trucks from P.E.I you’d likely be hard pressed to find them in the mix but they’re definitely there. 🙂

    1. Yes, well written words, thank you to Dave. Thank you truckers, for demonstrating peacefully! We all ‘still’ have a right to do that. Might I just say that I’m thankful not to beliving in the heart of the noise from the truckers honking their horns, don’t think I’d liket o listen to that even during the day. The truckers are there, can’t be missed, silent demonstration is also great.

  25. Love your experience! Trying to keep watching from Saskatchewan, and appreciate any and all insight. Thank you for sharing!

  26. Thank you for an honest and informative article on what is really happening.
    The MSM is all opinion pieces and everything is negative and derogatory.
    True leadership in the government would have had the leader actually speak with them and let them know that they matter.

  27. Fantastic letter to the citizens of our country and the world for that matter. Thank you for taking the time to explain what is really happening and who these people really are. You are a true reporter of fact.

  28. I hope to be able to come and be a part of the convergence of Canadians. It fills my heart, thank you for sharing your experience.

  29. I have been in trucking my entire life. As a kid I drove a truck and loved it.
    My career took into dispatcher and then a 20 year management and executive management of large international fleets. We have 300,000 Professional Drivers in Canada and almost all of them are as described in this article. David you are to be commended for taking the time and the effort to this. I honestly believe if anyone went out and met with these Professional Drivers they would be welcomed the very same way.
    Well Done by All Involved!
    Roy

    2. If all of your truckers would take this article and put copies of it in restaurants, stores, wherever they stop your company alone could make a huge impact in changing the way Canadians see the truckers.

      The power is in our voices and you have the ear of 300,000 of them.

  30. Thank you so much for the honest heart felt story. It’s people like you that call it the way it is!! This is why like you am proud to be a Canadian !!

  31. Well done David. You’ve described the truckers as I imagined they would be, truly genuine people brave enough to show their concern for this country. You’ve done what our PM won’t. Thank you for that.

  32. Love it but the subtle slights at anti-vaxxers were a little obvious.
    Some of us are anti-experimental injections and would like to see the long-term data.
    To associate this stance with ‘deranged ideologies’ is dismissive at best.

  33. Thank you. Many of these working class Canadians drove across our vast country to be heard. We should listen.

  34. This is an emotional read. Thank you for being so brave and curious to explore what this is really about❤️❤️❤️

  35. Brilliant article, at the heart of the matter, these are ordinary people pushed to the limit after two years of government mismanagement, and it’s time to move on in life.

  36. You discovered the obvious: Most of the people in the convoy were/are good people frustrated that covid-19 has turned everything upside down. Like the rest of us, they’ve discovered that freedom has limits. Sadly, they’ve been used by the extremists who want to smash everything. Those nihilists don’t care squat about them. They just want to impose their will on everyone. Including the truckers you talked to.

    I hope they have a good ride home.

  37. thank you for this. I see the story from the convoy participants, and see the videos of them cleaning ice from sidewalks, picking up litter etc. Being together, happy, singing O’ Canada.
    Then you see the clips and stories from the Main News Media. Hear the hatred and derision from politicians. This is a group of white nationalist, nazi lovers , trump lovers that desecrate the city and keep everyone awake all night honking their horns.
    It is great to see a report from someone actually living there and what the actual experience is.
    If only this was reported accurately by the mainstream media.
    These people are there fighting for the rights and freedoms of all Canadians, this is about more than vaccines.
    Thank you ever so much

    1. Absolutely…sone how this should be published everywhere…trudeaus paid media of course won’t it should appear on Rumble, True North, Rebel news, CounterSignal and local newspapers in your area all across Canada. So well executed and written about THE REAL CANADIANS .

    2. This is mostly what “Trump lovers” look like, too. Sure, a few idiots attach themselves to any group that is getting publicity, but we’re salt-of-the-earth, clean-up-after-ourselves, just-leave-us-alone, hard-working people, too

      1. This is so true. I went to many Tea Party rallies back in the day. The people were extremely nice, polite and you never even heard a cuss word. We always left the grounds cleaner than when we came. There were no haters. They were my neighbors. But we were painted by the media as liars, crude and vulgar extremists. I’ve given up on my country. Maybe Canada can lead the way. Who’d a thought!

    3. I live in California so I’m out of touch with your local concerns. I have gotten the impression as I read through these comments that the protest really is about more than vaccines. Would you mind explaining that a bit more? Is this rally connected to class and occupation, or? Are people afraid the vax will make them sick? Or do they fear if they get the vax, there will be another demand after that?

      thanks

  39. Beautifully written!
    I’m a wife, daughter and mother to 3 beautiful children.
    I am not anti-vaxx.
    I want nothing more than my children to grow up the way I did.
    With freedom to choose and associate however they wish.
    My husband and I are proud to be CANADIAN again. We haven’t recognized our beautiful country for years.
    The energy is palpable and people are united from all across our country, every color and creed. It’s beautiful.

    Thankyou for writing this.

    1. What a beautiful reply to a beautiful story Katerina. ❤️ I agree with everything you wrote! I am not anti-vax either. What I am against is government leaders who have decided that those of us who choose to exercise our God given rights and make decisions about what goes into our bodies are somehow lacking humanity. I see it as the opposite. It’s not easy to choose not to follow the mainstream. This “fringe minority” has given me so much hope for humanity. These people are there to peacefully say NO to mandates that have eroded our freedoms. They have united Canada and woven a beautiful cloth that represents Canadians of all walks of life, race and religions and reminded us of our core values and what it means to be Canadian. I am so proud of these amazing Canadians 👏 and am grateful to them for giving us hope that our children and grandchildren can grow up in a free country! 🙏

  40. Thank you for taking the time to do what you did and write about it. Super!! I am sure it made you proud to be a Canadian!! Pity you may not be able to reach the world with this but I would love to see it through. Getting rid of the mandates and restrictions will give us back our rights and freedoms exactly as the Canadian charter of rights was intended to protect!

  41. Absolutely fantastic story. Truly reminds us all of what being a “Proud Canadian” used to feel like. Thank you for looking past what the MSM feeds you, and took the time to see for yourself.

  42. As an Albertan that wanted to, but was unable to make the journey to Ottawa, Thank you for taking the time to hear some of the messages. The main stream media is painting this in a way to make everyone hate the people in the convoy and discredit their reasons for doing this. It’s people like you that will get the true message out so Canadians can hear what is actually happening.

  45. Well David! You are an incredible writer. It was like I was on that walk with you. I wish I could be there with all those beautiful brave souls in Downtown Ottawa fighting for our freedom. Big love to you and all who are doing their part to make a difference in our beautiful Country.

  46. I really liked your blog; it is one of your best. I think you
    should get it published in a magazine, such as Macleans.

    The title is perfect. You talk about your own feelings and you paint
    good pictures of the truckers, but let the readers form their own
    impressions about the “untouchables”.

    1. I totally agree…when I started reading Ì thought this is too long to read BUT it was consuming, well written and I was there walking with him learning about a gentle but firm cause , respectful and uplifting. The committment these people have made bring a tear to my eyes and I pray they stay safe and attain their goals, we will remember them always as our heros…those that fought a fight for our freedom. Love you guys and gals.

  47. Thank you so much for your open mind and taking the time to get to know the people involved in this. Despite the hateful and divisive words our PM/ media spews, these are hard working & peaceful Canadians genuinely concerned about the future of our country.

  48. Reading this, I want to stroll through Ottawa like you did and talk with those brave men and women who are fighting for our freedom. This is the quiet side of the protest, not the party and they have dug in and are there, quietly making their statement. Our nation was divided by those corrupt politicians and disgusting mismanagement. These men and women bedecked their vehicles with flags of our country and declared they would not be divided. Men and women of all races and creeds came together and have shown that love and unity should prevail despite the ugly words of the politicians and the media. They came from across the country to unify and call for freedom. God bless every one of them. I pray that one day soon we will be free again and their long wait will have bourne fruit.

    1. Thank you thank you thank you! I wish this gets shared many times and a lot of people get to to read it!

  49. Excellent! Too bad we haven’t seen similar articles elsewhere. BTW, I’d hate you to lose any street cred so you may want to change ‘dully’ to ‘dualie.’

    1. Thanks! I certainly don’t have any street cred – I live in a condo, do math/code for a living, and ride my bike everywhere!

      1. Very well said David. They are not the crowds we think they are, they are just sick of these government mandates. They’re has to be a better way

        1. Indeed.. and why would people “think they are” who they , obviously, are not. Because the media and government are blatantly lying about them and gaslighting the entire nation. This is a fundamental problem. Citizens cannot make informed judgements because the media is so bought and dishonest. There is a tidal swing in our culture – the only honest reporting you will find is from fine gentlemen, like David, who are independent journalists. The corporate/gov’t media is now pure propaganda.. a truly sorry which misinforms the fine people of our once great nation.

      2. Hi David.
        You’ll have to ask one of those warm hearted truckers to give you a ride in their big rig.
        I think you would enjoy it immensely.
        And thankyou for sharing your story about the truckers. Hope you don’t mind that I shared it on Twitter, to the delight of many.
        Wish I could have made the trip.
        Jim

      3. I teared up reading this, Good on you for stepping out of your comfort zone to find another.

      4. Thank you for sharing this. I’m a South African that usually works for 6 months in the UK each year doing Care Work. The UK made it mandatory last year for all care workers to be vaxed and its shocking to see how many carers have lost their jobs because of this. Most of these carers are not anti vax, but for their own reason don’t want this injection that has yet to be proven safe and so many had to leave the jobs they loved. So seeing the Canadian truckers standing up has given me hope for the future, and I have such respect for what they are doing.

        1. I think that things will change for the better all over the world, hang in there, it will work out , keep meditating and praying for truth . Wisdom courage and truth.

        1. Ditto. A joy to read and imagine him on his walk and the warmth he spread among those brave souls.

      6. genius…
        congrats on a very excellent piece .I especially liked the answer that you got from our native brother about healing ….this is what our prime minister needed to do …what’s wrong with him?

        2. You don’t negotiate with children you send them to bed without supper. The mandates , with the exception of the boarder rules, which are the same on the US side. All other mandates are those of the provincial government. So they should really be talking to Mr. Ford, Mr. Moe, Mr. Kenney, etcetera .

      7. Thank you David for stating the truth unlike MSM who are not reporting truth but as you say conspiracy it is with them. I’m not anti vax but anti bully anti segregation and discrimination from our own leader who speaks negative words against those who choses not to to talk to. May your blessings be many and I cant thank you enough for this honest accounting 🙏 💖

      8. Wonderful. You’re an amazing writer. Thanks for being our eyes on the ground. You have no idea the impact of one honest article standing out in the mists of a sea of propaganda. – HK MEDFORD NEW JERSEY USA

      9. Thank you so much David for this. I’m a proud supporter of these fine people and so happy you are telling their story.

      10. Wow so very well written and while reading felt like I was right there with you thank you for taking us with you and hopefully opening some eyes and hearts ! There is only one race , the human race ! 🙏🙏💪🇨🇦🇨🇦

      11. Made me laugh your article was wonderful to read and thank you for bringing your personal interactions with the freedom convoy protestors to all of us fringe supporters 😍🇨🇦👍One Proud Canadian to another in the True North Strong and Free🎼

      12. You have Loads of credit now for being courageous enough to go and look for yourself at what this is really about. I got teary eyed and heart warmed reading this. Thank you so much. (And as someone who doesn’t love math and loathed trying to help her kids with it, I give you all kinds of credit for doing math for a living!)

      13. Thank you , David. Your heart warming, honest and well written article touched me to the core. Thank you I will share this as far as I can. God Keep Our Land Glorious and Free.

      15. Thanks for taking the time to write your findings and join us all in what we know in our hearts is true, we love Canada and we love each other, too.
        Yoanna

      16. I wish there waS some way to get more Canadians to understand these issues tht go to the core of our democracy. I put much blame on the state run CBC which has been the Trojan horse into the emotional cortex of people. The covid event has disconnected us from common sense and what we are seeing with the division is engineered.
        Hopefully CBC ( and others)will be brought to justice for the deliberate spread of misinformation and the incitement of violence. Thanks for the story!

      17. Sure you have street cred, it just all depends on who is on the streets! There is an ongoing, worldwide culture growing that focuses on how we are different, and that difference is wrong or bad. Trudeau makes the words that this is wrong but all his actions continue to support and progress it.

        By this simple act of getting out there and talking to people and then posting it for the world to read with integrity and an honest heart, you have more street cred than you will EVER understand.

        Thank you for your courage and your contribution to pressing towards a better world.

        Creston, BC.

      19. Thank you for taking the time to understand, to think for yourself and for showing that Ottawa is still very much full of CANADIANS despite the few spreading hate we’ve seen in the media. I hope your story gets out there, and people read it. If you ever wanted to leave the coding job, you’d make a hell of a writer!

      20. Thank you very much. I hope you consider writing more as this was very enjoyable and enlightening. With your descriptions I could almost see what you were seeing. Your honesty and integrity is so refreshing. The way people are getting smeared by government and media is heartbreaking. We are all Canadians, even if we don’t agree with an opinion, it should be respected. People should be respected. I’ve never seen so much hatred and lies aimed at a group of people before. I can’t help but wonder why?

      21. Take your neighbor with you next time. I do hope you know your neighbors. I’m so afraid that city people come and go and no longer connect, even to the people they live next to. Let’s all try harder to get to know our neighbors who might be different from us. I’m sure we’ll be surprised at how much we have in common. God bless the truckers! This will never be forgotten.

      22. This is amazing. You have described the convoy to a T. You have told the truth of what is really going on and not lying like our news media and government. It is so heartwarming to hear the truth as you tell it. May God bless you and ALL the truckers who are the best people ever. How. Nice to hear the truth for a change. I for one do not listen to the news as it never tells the truth and I know many others who have stopped listening to the media also. May God look after you and help you settle this show . THE TRUTH SHALL SURVIVE.

      23. David,

        Thank you for your gift of simple honesty. It must have taken courage to go into a group of people that you didn’t know and that those trying to tyrannize us would have you fear. Congratulations on your bravery. And thank you for sharing your experience with us!
        May God richly bless you and May God richly Bless CANADA!!
        Love Is Flowing!!!

      24. Thank you so much for writing this. It made me feel a bit better about humanity and made me really wish I could have walked through the crowds with you. I find if I take the time to talk to people and try to understand them it makes a huge difference. I wish more people would do what you did. You rock!

    4. And “proper” should be “prop”.

      Great article. Thanks for investigating and reporting. I wish those who are being paid to do that would do so.

    5. Ha! With your last name you must be well versed in truck lore! 🚚🚛🚒

  50. Very proud of you David. I am honoured and blessed to be your sister! Honest conversation, compassion and curiosity- you have accomplished all of that and so much more in your walk-a-bout. I wish I had had the pleasure to accompany you that evening…though know, in my own way, I am engaged in a similar journey.
    Deb

    1. That Miss is. Profound report by your Brother.
      I know you are very proud of him, anyone who reads this should also be proud Of your brother David. Bless you both…

      1. …. And by Davids account if his journey through this group, proud to be Canadian and proud of THESE true Canadians—- I know I am 🥰🥰🥰

        Thank you David for showing us… 🥰

      2. I will share this with everyone I know.
        Thank you for taking the time to
        shine a light on the truth of this movement!

        1. Amen to this article. This is the true state of the truckers.
          Not what the media is portraying.
          Let’s get this article out everywhere.

      3. Thank you for this. I live in the state of Georgia in America. Many here are following this protest.
        This made me cry for the fellowship we could have across the world if our “leaders” were not politicians more concerned with their own status and well being.

        1. You are 💯 correct! These brave people, and all my newfound friends in my community, and through social media, are the backbone of our countries. We come from varied backgrounds, and walks of life, but we think as one! We all want our freedoms, and we all love each other and our countries. Sending you love ❤️ 🇨🇦🇺🇸✊🙏

          2. I’m from SC, USA and am sitting in CA visiting family. This made me so proud to be human! I’m so proud of my Canadian brothers and sisters. And I thank you sincerely for taking time to speak, listen and write about your new neighbors. My hope is that your words would travel around to the world to bring the light of truth that us being hidden from public view. May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified. May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

          3. It was nice to hear the pintnof view from someone right instead middle of this. And it sounds totally unbiased. Very appreciated, and well written. Thank-you for this.

        2. I cried too. The sentiments of the truckers David describes resonates so deeply with me as a Canadian who grew up rural and working class, but often feels out of place in my grown-up urban life. To watch the demonizing of these Canadians in the media and from our governments… I waiver between feeling shocked, heartbroken and enraged.

          God bless our Canadian truckers and freedom fighters visiting us here in Ottawa, and may God bless our nation to be True, North, Strong and Free, once more.

          1. Yes…!!!‼️🌟GOD🌟Bless The Canadian Truckers & Their Families… ✨💥✨💥✨💥✨They are The Chosen People to Represent All of US Around The World🌍🌏🌎to give US Hope & To let these people in Governments know That We The People are All Human & want Liberty & Freedom 💥✨For All…🦅🦅🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🎊🎉

          2. Yet not one person from our Lame Stream Media has taken the time to take the stories from these people and make them known. But they sure can spread the lies and fear! Go to ”Viva Frei” to see an ‘on the street’ HONEST portrayal of the convoy men and women. Then you will begin to understand what lengths Trudeau’s media (paid for with out taxes) and Trudeau himself will go to to misrepresent the situation. WEAPONS OF MISINFORMATION at it’s highest! We should heed Jordan Petersons’ and DEFUND the CBC immediately!

          3. Thank you for making the effort to ask questions instead of just judging like our so called mainstream media is doing…your article was very well written and certainly brought tears to my eyes!

        10. I really hope when this is done. Win ,loose or draw that we will continue to be the greatest nation in the world
          And people will continue to be free to live, laugh and enjoy life

      4. I hope this amazing story makes its way to the ignorant main stream media and all public servants…yes including Trudeau.

      5. Honesty. Humility. Compassion. Empathy. Intelligence. Reasonableness.
        Outstanding my friend!

    2. You should be proud of David. I loved his message. I laughed, and I cried as I read his experiences with our beloved truckers. Thank you for this, David, I needed to hear this as our truckers are being so disrespected and maligned by the media. Blessings to you.
      Brenda.

      1. This should be shared far and wide. Brought tears to my eyes and sums up what I have witnessed being down there everyday.

      2. Compare this report to comments played out on cbc “at issue” last night(Feb.3rd). What an elitist hateful crew. You can see where our terrible pm gets his backing from. Disgusting fools.

        1. I felt the same way! Their choice of words had only one intention, to cast a dark shadow on these people, like they are criminals ☹️

        2. I doubt that the CBC would ever take the time to read this amazing and honest letter. They are looking for the one idiot carrying a Nazi flag, or someone who is trying to cause trouble. They don’t want to hear about the passion these amazing truckers have for a country that wants to be free. They don’t want to be forced to get a “medical vaccine” to be able to travel in our own country, ever mind the world! God bless these men and women!!

          1. Making assumptions about one “side” is just as bad as making assumptions about the “other side.” I work for the CBC, I read the whole letter, and I found it very interesting.

          2. Chris Walker, I’m really glad you found it interesting. I hope you can show CBC can do better. Perhaps some of you just didn’t know or where “just doing your job”. There is one article in particular I find troubling on the CBC site where in the news story named “People are severing friendships over convoy protest, with some saying it shows ‘true colours'” in it there is video titled “The ‘worst display of Nazi propaganda in this country’ happening at convoy protest, advocate says: ” I hope reading this article then looking back to that CBC article you can see what’s going on. It’s not right.

          4. I get that you found this letter “amazing”, but I would respectfully like to ask, how do you know it is honest? It’s on the internet. It is a blog.

          5. I don’t know what to tell you. I’ve lived my whole life as honestly as I can, trying to meet people wherever they are in life. Take that for what it’s worth.

        3. True, it is such one sided information the general public is getting from the media and the “reigning” government.

        4. I watched at issue! The way the media, our PM and the liberal MP’s in Question Period portray their fellow Canadians is shameful! They will neither listen to the convoy nor answer questions pertaining to them! Hopefully all Canadians will remember all of this in the next election!

        1. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the truckers, what a wonderful group of Canadians!

          1. This is amazing. I had read a few posting from people down town which of course was all negative. That they where scared for their lives. Business wouldn’t open…etc. I responded come out of hiding and meet the truckers. They are not violent, they are good hardworking people. Go out and walk around and see for yourself and come up with your own conclusions. Not your Mayor’s or the PM’s or the media’s. Make your own assessment of the situation.
            Just as you have done. We’ll writen. Thank you.

    4. Not sure what is happening. Tried to like the tweet referring to your piece of writing only to learn it had been deleted.
      Keep up the good work.
      The world truly needs this.
      Myra (UK)

    5. I got chills reading this. It makes me even prouder to be a Canadian right now. ❤️ Well done!👏👏👏

      1. That was a well written report and it really touched me. I still think something good will come out of this protest…

        1. Sounds like something already has. Just look at this beautifully written article and the responses to it. Great job David. You may be one lone voice in the concrete jungle that sprang up outside your bedroom window, but your voice rings out strong and true. It clearly resonates around the world as a voice for these brave, and determined men and women and all of those who love freedom and support them.

    6. Thankyou to you and your brother for sharing. Our country needs to hear this. The Freedom Convoy has done more to unite Canada in one week than Trudeau has done in 6 years. They are not anti anything…they are pro freedom. Your brother is helping get that message out.

      1. This is it exactly! Went on the first day, and felt more “Canada” than Canada Day. I don’t know what will come of this, but these truckers and all the other people who joined then on my visit downtown changed me forever. Regardless of what happens now, this country is forever chabged….and for the better.

      2. Couldn’t agree more, Wendy!

        In Canada, we share something precious and very unique in this world. Let’s not lose sight of what we have. So thankful for the initiative of the truckers and all Canadians who support this movement.

        But let’s not be complacent: this is a fragile venture in some respects, like the burning of a new unity in our land. It is something wonderful and there will be those who will attempt to sabotage it. Let’s stand on guard for Canada!

    8. Deb, I’m from Iowa! I watch what’s happening with the convoy everyday & everyday I have tears of compassion for the efforts, tears of joy that mankind is finally waking up. I am so very proud of your brother venturing out & deciding for himself to learn truths. Hopefully America will “wakeup” soon. Cheers & more cheers for the Freedom Convoy!!

      1. Minnesota native now in Arizona. We have been keeping up with the convoy online. I am awe’d and inspired by it all! Mad respect for our Canadian friends and neighbors. I hope and pray our convoy does Canada justice ❤️🇺🇲🇨🇦

    9. Thank you for your well written truthful account of what it’s really like to live in downtown Ottawa. The media has made is sound like there’s non stop noise 24 hours a day and saying that people are afraid to leave their homes in fear of being harassed or even attacked by the truckers! I’m going to share this on both of my Facebook pages “Together Against the Hate” & “United We Stand Divided We Fall”
      Freedom and truth for all!

    12. He is an honorable man, with an honest observation, and this is very well written. I would be proud to meet him someday.

    13. What a marvellous and moving story! I have shared it. Ottawa is my city as well, and you’re not the first person living downtown to tell a very different tale than that being spun by MSM. But you are by far the most eloquent. Well done!

      1. A well written article that moved me. I am so proud of our truckers. They are the voice and conscience of our country and leaders of a movement. Mainstream media and the government is trying to smear their honourable actions with their ugly propaganda. Go truckers

    14. Great information. Glad to hear a regular person letting us know how things really are.

      1. Beautiful report of what’s really going on. Thank you for reporting first hand the passion, honesty and resolve you found amongst these men and women who want change. May they be rewarded at the end of this for their sacrifice. We can’t be there but we sure do stand behind every one of them!

    15. That was so beautifully said brought tears to my eyes! I’m from California and so happy to see our neighbors standing up for freedom my thoughts and prayers are with them daily! May God bestow all his blessings and keep them safe🙏🙏🙏

    16. This truly is a lovely story. I’m triple vaxxed and almost 80. You are talking to the genuine folks who started the truckers campaign. Unfortunately it was coopted by yahoos, as you say, not those who are driving the semis, who are on foot waving their placards and using language I dare not repeat and I don’t want to go near with my children. Walk among the placard screamers to get a picture of the non-truckers. It truly is scary and I’m a retired high school principal.

    17. Thank you for this writing, yes, it brought tears to my eyes. This should be broad casted on every news cast and be in every paper,so everyone knows the real story.

    18. I absolutely love what your brother wrote, and can certainly understand your pride in him. I feel so much pride for all these brave people standing up for all of us! I’m a senior, and have met more amazing, beautiful people in the last year, than I had over a lifetime. ❤️🇨🇦✊

    19. I am 67 yrs young, I cried reading the kind, honest words from brother.
      God bless him .

    20. Please. Spare the drama. The ‘country ‘ has zero interest in creating an untouchable class out of our citizens. The govt has simply mandated that the less than 1o % of truckers that refuse to vaccinate against a highly infectious disease should find another career. They do not represent the vast majority of Canadians. They do not have support of the majority of Canadians. They, unfortunately, are staining the positive image that most Canadians have of truckers. Go home or go to jail.

      1. By definition, untouchables are always a tiny minority – and usually, really disliked by the majority – for whatever reason. But ok, how would you define untouchables?

      2. You said: “The ‘country ‘ has zero interest in creating an untouchable class out of our citizens.”

        Then you go on to essentially propose doing just that. Lovely.

        The government has mandated people who work alone and have little contact with other people during the course of their job get a vaccine for a highly infectious disease that has little physical impact on 99%+ of people who catch it. It makes little sense. It really is a personal decision, not one that requires government interference.

        Think about what you are saying for God’s sake for a moment.

        1. From the United mistakes –
          THANK YOU ,THANK YOU
          DAVID for taking down the goliaths in your world !
          I would welcome you & your ways south of your border & around the world .Please forgive the sign when entering New York state ,that reads ” welcome to the empire state ” ; they mean it & have lost 100,ooos of citizens over the years due to their elitists ways .Our world’s have been polarized
          by an Either/ Or separating
          mentality.
          Your heartfelt way may serve as a BEACON to all parties ; we can grow together with time .
          Greatful for the tears !
          All the best,
          Raimond

      4. au contraire, they DO represent a large percentage of the canadian population. For every protester in ottawa, there are 10, perhaps 100, perhaps 1,000 similar like-minded people in all parts of Canada.

        1. I block hateful comments. This is not a place for flame wars and you barely passed. Empathy matters.

          1. No worries David. The fringe minority will definitely have your back. Your article has moved many of us to tears. It is inspiring and sends out a spark of light across this beautiful land of ours.
            Unfortunately, those who are now being challenged to think critically are experiencing difficulty. You see, mainstream media is much easier to absorb, no matter what it is, and one has no need to make an effort.
            Thank you, for making an effort to meet your new neighbours and having a cup of conversation with them. It’s truly amazing what we discover having conversations with one another. I see your soul, shining brightly, all the way from Nova Scotia.
            Sending kind and loving thoughts to you, my fellow Canadian, Julka.

          2. By blocking negative comments you are being one-sided just like you accused the media of doing.
            You say they are trying to make it all sound bad.
            But You are trying to make it all sound good.
            Obviously the real situation is somewhere in between.

      7. It seems as though, in this comment section anyways, that you are actually a fringe minority with unacceptable beliefs. I hope you get to keep your job and use this opportunity to embrace compassion.

      8. Well Paul,
        Do me a favor and if and when you get the chance to talk to our PM Justin Trudeau ask him on how the double vaccine and the booster worked for him.

        David I will give you a hand shake, a high five as well a brotherly hug for telling all Canadians the truth about the truckers and your experiences with talking to them all. Well written my friend. 🇨🇦 🍁 🇨🇦 🍁

      9. This is an interesting comment Mr. MacIntyre. It appears that the dismissal of this group, who “do not represent the vast majority of Canadians” is inspiring people, not only in Canada, but all over the world. I am very sorry for you if you fail to see this.
        It is admirable that David made an effort to meet, have a conversation and write a stellar article about his experience. He will certainly be seen as an honourable human being and personally, I am grateful for all of the Davids in the world.

    22. Thank you, David, for this very moving essay. It goes to the soul of the protest, and of Canada.

    24. I especially loved how he walked among the people and got to know them . I felt like we were walking with him . Honest observations and conversations, seeking truth. God inspired your brother Mr David to go on that walk , so the world can see how truly peaceful these people are.
      Thankyou for sharing. Like your sister, I am very proud of you. God bless all the people in Ottawa and around the world fighting for our freedom . ❤️🙏🏻

    27. You should be very proud !!! True Canadian are always honest !!!Tell him Thank you for taking the time to get to know the people trying to make our country free and great again !!!

    28. thank your for your courage to present this. what a counter to the hateful MSM which is complicit with the attempted destruction of our beloved country by the Radical Left .This Courageous FreedonConvoy has rekindled my love for this country and it’s people.I wish that all could read this and I will do my best to propagate it. The horns of Freedom Ring Loudly, and are being heard around the world .🙏for those at risk., who have already sacrificed greatly. Thank You I❤️ My Country

      1. Thanks Gary! I’m behind you 💯 %. We want a united country, not the division which we are being pushed into by our PM!

    30. That was beautiful, thank you for sharing! Thank you for sharing the truth. Thank you for painting a true real picture of what you saw! Now I want to come visit!

    31. Wow reading about his walkabout brought back memories of my reading days about the sackette Brothers and their escapades about their times in the mountains of whyomim and back west. Loved it. Man you need to write a book. Put the fake news to shame.

    32. Your brother had an awesome experience and he shared it with the World. I am proud to be a Canadian and yes I had tears in my eyes like so many others..
      Although I am living in an Asian country with my family, my heart is in Canada.

    33. Can’t figure out how to reply to original article, but beautifully written. We need more of this honest type communication. Thank you.

    34. Beautiful and touching report!
      It should be published in every newspaper across Canada . I wish Rex Murphy could read it to Canadians just the way you describe your socializing night .Shame on the media people who sold their souls to this government and try to instigate violence.Don’t they have the future of their children and grandchildren to protect? I am a proud Canadian totally ashamed of the Trudeau government since their first day in office.Lies,conflicts of interest,Corruption.Where was our House of Commons to let that go on.The Ottawa parliament needs a major political overhaul..Thanks again for sharing your beautiful vues of honest hard working ordinary Canadians .Let’s hope the protest continue peacefully.

    35. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for writing this. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, our Legacy journalists have been purchased by the government to try to divide the people, and its good people like you reflect the feelings of the True North Spirit.

    36. Thank you to your brother for taking the time to speak with so many of the convoy members. I have lost alot of faith in journalism these past few years… It is nice to know the truth because the media sure doesn’t dipict the correct information. In my heart I know the people representing the rest of our Canadian people are not there to make trouble but to voice their present concerns and that of the future generations. We live in the land of the free and the brave–we are the peace keepers, lovers nor fighters so for anyone to believe or portray us as anything else is absurd and unbelieveable.
      God bless your brother for taking a stroll to meet his neighbors, to share with the rest of us his encounters, God bless the people of the convoy and all of the supporters for having the courage to stand up for what we all believe in💕

    38. Unbelievable heart felt article it to brought tears to my eyes as I read it to my husband a trucker of 45 years and with a son who has followed in his farhers footsteps that can’t work certain jobs in his company because of being unvacinated. I think every newspaper, magazine should publish this as there is always 2 sides to every story that the media likes to hide the truth. Thank you David for Sharing your walk-a-bout

    39. Thank you so much with tears. I hope the trusted news initiative and all those news media who joined that including CBC radio, along with Thomson Reuters who owns many including Global will take note on real reporting … I sure hope freedom of press comes back

    40. Well said David. I agree, these are hard working peaceful Canadians. I didn’t know noise like honking stops at 6pm. The truckers have United us, enough is enough. Politicians have finally started to me move. Canadians value freedom and peace.

    41. Nice naïve article…but …he is incorrect they are blowing horns throughout the night. I have talked to people living there.

      There is no consideration for hospital workers who are overwhelmed with sick covid and the unvaccinated. Not once have they mentioned the hospital disaster…that’s what this is all about. If nobody was dying and the hospitals were not overwhelmed there would be no need for a vaccine. Now that the number of sick people seems to be reducing the vaccine mandates will disappear…not because of a bunch of self centered idiots protesting …but because it was eventually going to happen.

      Nice fireside children’s story but he misses the whole point

      2. The hospital disaster existed before covid . Hospitals and Long Term Care Homes have been struggling with understaffing and underfunding for a long time. Don’t make people who want freedom of choice for their bodies the enemy here. No nurse should be fired over this. Nobody should be losing their job over this. Let’s respect each other.

    42. He should send this post to all the media that are all reporting negative against the truckers. As they are all blaming what a few hulagan are doing on the truckers

    43. I absolutely loved reading about your journey to meet and talk with the Truckers. Last weekend my brother ( Chateauguay) , my sister ( La Tuque) and I made our way to Ottawa on Friday night and we stayed at the Business Inn for the night and joined the beautiful protest Friday night and on Saturday. It was the most amazing thing I have ever been a part of in my life…besides having my daughter.

      All 3 of us left on Saturday afternoon with our hearts full and smiles plastered on our faces. We are so passionate about supporting these Truckers and all Canadians for our Chart of Rights and Freedoms. We are wanting our children to have their Freedoms back. We have been led by our government to create a division amongst us Canadians that is toxic and we the people need to make it stop. It is not ok!!!!!’ It is not about conspiracy it’s about truth and facts.

      I would like to personally thank you for taking the time to make your own judgment based on real life and not what main stream media portrayed. My siblings and I kept in touch all week and were we in such disbelief of all these people talking so falsely about the Trucker Convoy.
      I’m a believer that the truth always prevails so, let’s not stop speak of what is actually happen and what is actually true.

      United we stand together fellow Canadians ow stronger than ever!!!!!

      Lots of love,
      Veronique Jodoin
      ( Huntingdon, Quebec)

    45. Your brothers story gave me chills and I now understand what this is really all about. All we hear in the news is negative comments. It’s nice to hear first hand from someone with no agenda other than the truth. Good for you David! Thank you.

    46. Beautiful testimony. Thank you for putting aside media and honks and going out to converse and engage. I am writing from Texas.

    47. You have an amazing brother. Brave enough to find out first hand what the trucker convoy is protesting.
      Thank you David for sharing the truth, something the media refuses to do. blessings to you.

    48. Thank you for bringing your message to all of us. We all know that these people are representing us all. Honest, hard working Canadians who care so very much for this country. Luv u all. “Thank u”

    49. This is the first time in a long time that an “article” has made me cry… Please hug your brother for all of us – because he was more a journalist than our hired media journalists.. his words has given me a moment to close my eyes in realization that there are more people like your brother and they just need some time to have their moment of bravery to break from their shackles .. honestly – other than this – I have no way to express in words my gratitude for the time David has taken for these men and women.
      With that – I’m taking this next sentence to thank you specifically, David – from the bottom of my heart… you’re one of the good ones – and you definitely must be protected at all costs.. so much love to you . Xx

    51. I am so very thankful for your brothers story. It has the true meaning of Canada, open, friendly, and accepting people who have said enough and the world is watching and following our lead. Thank you thank you thank you Norma

    52. Two things that are missing from this is that no unvaccinated driver is being stopped from working, by the government. They are still able to drive in Canada while unvaccinated. Two the US government will stop any unvaccinated drivers from entering their country, the Canadian government has no control over the actions of the US government. People who are against getting the vaccine don’t have to get it they just have to quarantine upon entry into Canada. There is a lot of misinformation in this article. For context I have been driving big rigs for 30 years and consider this, extremely small minority, as a group of adolescents throwing a tantrum.

      1. Jeff, I think you missed the point. The protest isn’t an “anti-vax” protest, despite how many times CBC says it is. It is about stopping the mandates that affect us all. The protesters are a diverse group of Canadians, but people from other countries such as the U. S. have also joined in Ottawa. They are a mixture of vaccine free, partially vaccinated, and fully vaccinated, but that does not divide them. They all believe that they are there for the good of Canada and Canadians.

    56. Love this most Canadians want freedom and respect we get neither from the current government.

    57. Beautiful words from a beautiful soul. Thanks David 🙏 for going out to get to know people. Tina from Alberta 🥰❤️✌️

    58. I’m from Ottawa but now live in Arkansas. I’ve worn a mask less than a dozen times in 2 years and have been able to live a fairly normal life. With tears in my eyes, I’ve listened to what my parents, siblings and family have endured. No less than held prisoner in their home, isolated from loved ones. During this time, my mom was fighting stage 4 lung cancer and brain cancer…strangers gave her dirty looks when wearing a mask was impossible, appointments were postponed, and for months on end, family feared seeing her. She died in August. Her last 5 weeks were spent in the hospital, only seeing 1 person. She died from neglect, depression and loneliness- the records state cancer but it wasn’t. I am not vaccinated. I could not see my mom while she was alive. I did not make the funeral. My heart is broken…my heart WAS broken, until the Freedom Convoy. Don’t back down. My mom deserved so much better…along with hundreds…we must hold the line for them and hold this government accountable.

      1. 1st I’m from Arkansas, 2nd I’m unvax but not anti-vax and I’ve not changed my life at all, other than changing jobs, big company to a small company. 3rd I’m a truck driver that delivers up to 1000 islands, I have followed this convoy from the beginning and I couldn’t be more proud of the display these truckers have shown. I have watched videos, some as long as 2hrs at night with no horns blasting and during the day kids playing one kid in particular, the truck driver picked the kid up to let him pull the airhorn himself. I have read tens of thousands of tweets with fifty plus tabs open from different users on both sides of the aisle. Canadians working class are showing their true colors, no doubt, and Davids’s column captured it perfectly and as touching as his article was it was you, Keri that inspired me to reply, So Lastly, Miss Keri, I’m very sorry for your loss and more so about how you had to deal with it. Breaks my heart, truly no one should ever have to deal with the loss of a loved one in that manner.

    60. Beautiful
      I’m from Sylvan Lake Alberta. I’m proud you met so many new neighbors and that you are sharing the truth! Thank you

    62. Your brother is a true Canadian . I had six sisters with no brothers and from a small outport in Newfoundland who had their first all together moment on their parents 50 th anniversary as we all left home at 16 / 17 to find work . We were really lucky to live in a country so beautiful as Canada .

    63. What a wonderful honest view of what is really happening in Ottawa. I only wish the rest of Ontario the rest of Canada 🇨🇦 could read this.

    64. Great article! Thank you for this true story about freedom and trying to remain free.Thank you David!

    65. Your brothers writing made me tear up with pride. I wanted to be there myself but things came up and I just couldn’t afford to go. I have friends there though. These men and women are not the enemy the press and the politicians make them out to be. They are honest, hard working folks who are trying to do the impossible. This was so very important to say. God bless your brother and God bless you.

    66. I served this country, as a Combat Arms Officer, in the Armed Forces, for 36 years, the entire point and purpose of my service was defending the freedoms that we in this country USED to enjoy, against anyone, any nation, that wanted to impose their version of government on my country. THIS tyranny is not what I was defending. I made a personal decision to get vaccinated given my medical history. Regardless of that, a PERSONAL decision, these people, these wonderful Canadians, are doing what I did for those 36 years. They are standing up, putting their livelihoods, and potentially (given what the Ottawa Police Commission (?) said in their meeting today) their physical freedom on the line for all of us, the vaccinated, the unvaccinated and the unborn. I salute them, and David, I salute, and thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your honesty, and, courage, for taking that walk into the unknown. Good bless each and every one of you.

    68. What a heartfelt and amazing account of your journey that night. I hope there are many of you who experienced the truth of this movement while the convoy was within Ottawa. Look around to see what’s happening all over this great country right now. There are men and women fighting for all of our freedoms in so many different locations; Coutes Border, Alberta; Edmonton, Calgary, ect. It’s everywhere. As I am unvaccinated (and not because I’m anti vax) I’m extremely grateful for what the truckers are fighting for. Where there is risk there must be choice.
      Sylvan Lake 😉

    69. This letter should be sent to the news or taken to them directly or call the news and be interviewed by them to tell the world what you honestly saw and witnessed

    70. Very good read and impressive amount of evidence to support these people want their freedoms intact.

    72. I am proud of him also He did what a lot if people that are judjing these truckers should do Go and walk ,go and talk with them ask questions ans see for yourselves if what the main stream media is reporting is true .God bless you David. for speaking from your heart and what you experianced.

    73. This report was an amazing piece, better then most reporters. Maybe he should change his career. I read the whole thing it was so interesting. My daughter lives in Ottawa and was complaining about all the bad truckers making trouble. So I told her to stop listening to the trouble maker’s and go see for herself. Well what a different story she tells now . Nice guys she said they were respectful and funny and were not there just for them but for her rights two. After talking to them and listening to their stories, she has a better understanding now . Convey 2022 you go.

    75. Bless your brother! I will make SURE everyone from Thunder Bay to Chilliwak BC has a opportunity to red this

    76. I don’t know what your brother does for a living but he should be a writer…I read his words and actually saw what he saw. It’s a very moving article and I hope that the rest of Canada reads it and appreciates it as I did. Thank you David.

    77. Thank you for sharing. You both epitomize what being a Canadian is all about .
      Bravo 🇨🇦

    78. Thank you so much for sharing .I’m sitting here in tears ,knowing we live in a diverse country that is united ,peace loving and only interested in a life of freedom for and peace .
      Thank you for getting to know what is outside your walls for yourself and sharing . God Bless you .

    79. Thank you so much for putting a hearth in your comment, for showing what so many Canadians are really fighting for. The whole world is watching us fighting this invisible war and taking a stand with us. They also have risen and prepared their own convoys, let’s hope our show of peace and Unity spread to all of them in a peaceful, loving way. The light is coming back, time to really see one another, enough with labels and segregation. All my respect to you, God bless you!

    80. You have a great brother. He made me wish I was there. You are so right to be proud of him! I am so grateful that there are still people that are willing to open their minds and try to seek the truth. So many just adopt what they are told by the legacy news and government as fact. Thank you David for this wonderful piece.

    81. Editorial worthy of any newspaper would make an excellent article for a media news report So glad to read remarks from what is evidently a great Canadian

    83. Thank you to your brother for his eloquent words. I have a brother, brother-in-law and nephew who are all truckers. Bless him for his words 🙏🏻🇨🇦

    84. I am extremely proud of your brother as you should be . If there were thousands of David’s in this country which it seems to me have all gathered in Ottawa we would have been out of this mess a long time ago. On the record I am not a anti vax er I am however 100 percent against coercion and someone telling me what I have to put into my body in order to live in a free society. To be clear I am ashamed of taking this vaccine However I am not ashamed for the reason of taking it. I have two young daughters at home that rely on my beautiful wife and myself to be fed sheltered and clothed . God bless all you people both women and men who are fighting for our freedoms in the meanwhile the rest of us Canadians sit silent including myself. My grandfather fought in world war 2 to give us the freedoms and liberties that you truckers are doing today . God bless you and your families be safe and well. 💕🙏🙏💕

    85. I’m so happy you went to meet them and wrote this very well written article.
      Thank you
      Tammy

    86. I thank your brother for going out and getting the true story. Truckers often get a bad rap but they are really an incredible group. Talking to the true truckers and not the peculiar people taking credit for this rally. Thank you David for showing the world the true truckers group.

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