Former NDP MP and current mayor of La Loche, Georgina Jolibois. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Becky Zimmer

Inappropriate and Corrupting

La Loche mayor and others decrying convoy’s use of Orange Shirt Day and Every Child Matters

Feb 13, 2022 | 1:40 PM

Former Member of Parliament and current mayor of La Loche, Georgina Jolibois, is publicly condemning the actions of a prominent Freedom Convoy protester to make their own Orange Shirt Day.

Pat King, a member of the convoy with 324 thousand followers on Facebook posted a video on Feb. 10 with plans for an “Orange Shirt Day” on Feb. 11 saying every child matters and that the day will be “for the kids.”

“We’re gonna have an orange shirt day tomorrow. We’re gonna have a moment of silence at two o’clock Ottawa time, we’re doing that on the stage down there. It’s already lined up and wear your orange, get your orange flags, get orange clothes.”

Jolibois expressed her concern on her own Facebook on Sunday morning saying the convoy is using Orange Shirt Day in an “inappropriate and corrupting manner,” that does not fit with what the day represents.

“Calling on students to walk out of school to protest the COVID-19 restrictions while wearing orange shirts erodes the spirit and intent of this important day – it is simply wrong and offensive. I am urging thoughtfulness and for all people, movements, and governments to properly honour September 30th and to declare it a statutory holiday.”

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While Member of Parliament Jolibois sponsored a private members bill that led to the creation of the national holiday on Sept. 30.

Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society, also took to Facebook to condemn the actions of the protester saying there is only one Orange Shirt Day and that is on Sept. 30.

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becky.zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @bex_zim