The Freedom Convoy launches just south of Prince Albert on Saturday. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Events

Prince Albert Freedom Convoy more like parade than protest

Feb 19, 2022 | 4:53 PM

In a stark contrast from the arrests, violence, and tension in Ottawa as police have begun to clear out the Freedom Convoy protesters, the Prince Albert & Area Freedom Convoy felt less like a protest and more like a parade on Saturday.

The convoy formed a long and loud line, lasting at least a mile down Highway 2 south of Prince Albert and funneling into the service roads on the east side of the highway. Just about every vehicle seemed to have at least two Canada flags, all pointed upright. Canada signs, decals and temporary red and white paint were also very common.

Small smatterings of supporters waited in parking lots along the service road, or deeper into Prince Albert along 15^th Street, waving and filming the action on their phones. Some passers-by honked and gave thumbs up through their vehicles.

It wasn’t about fighting for a cause, it was more of a celebration. Especially in Saskatchewan, there is little left to protest as the government has already scrapped its proof of vaccination mandate and will remove mask mandates and other restrictions at the end of the month.

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Although the Freedom Convoy’s origins were of truckers protesting vaccine mandates and requirements, actual semis or transport trucks were quite rare in the parade. Only two semis were spotted at the initial launch, while the rest were made up of personal pickup trucks, vans, and sports utility vehicles.

One of the Prince Albert convoy organizers Melanie Markling instructed the convoy’s participants in the group’s Facebook page to follow all traffic laws as to not create any disruptions. But because of that and the fact numerous convoy participants peeled off from the route early, the convoy was quickly swallowed up by regular Saturday Prince Albert traffic after a few red lights in the city and divided into small pockets.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW