Canadian Parliamentary Committee Wants GoFundMe to Testify on Trucker Convoy Funds

A man waves Canadian flags from a truck in downtown Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2022. (Noé Chartier/The Epoch Times)

A House of Commons committee wants to hear from the fundraiser platform GoFundMe about the millions of dollars collected so far by the organizers of the “Freedom Convoy,” as trucks continue blocking streets in downtown Ottawa.

On Feb. 3, the Committee on Public Safety and National Security voted unanimously on a motion put forward by NDP MP Alistair McGregor to have GoFundMe testify “as soon as possible” to learn about the source of the funds and what safeguards are in place to ensure the money isn’t used to “promote extremism.”

The GoFundMe campaign, which has amassed over $10 million so far, was paused by the platform on Feb. 2 to ensure it complies with its terms of service and applicable laws and regulations.

GoFundMe has come under pressure to cut funds to the organizers, notably from Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, who wants some of the money to be used to cover the cost of policing for the protest.

“GoFundMe, because they were bombarded with an orchestrated social media and other campaigns to try and shut it down or take it, has exercised heightened due diligence, which we welcome,” said Keith Wilson, a lawyer representing the organizers, during a press conference on Feb. 3.

Wilson said his clients have taken all the necessary steps to satisfy GoFundMe’s requirements.

The organizers’ GoFundMe page says the funds are to be used to support truckers participating in the protest with fuel, food, and shelter, and “Any left over donations will be donated to a credible Veterans organization which will be chosen by the donors.”

With the circulation on social media of a picture of someone holding a Nazi flag and of at least two others displaying Confederate flags in the vicinity of the protest on Jan. 29, many politicians and news outlets have attempted to portray the entire movement as racist and bigoted.

“As a woman with Métis heritage, a mother, and a grandmother, I am offended,” said lead organizer Tamara Lich on Feb. 3.

“The reality is that members of this freedom movement are average peace-loving and law-abiding citizens from all walks of life, who are fed up with being disrespected and bullied by our government.”

The Epoch Times reached out to GoFundMe to find out if they will testify before the House committee, but didn’t hear back before publication.

The convoy organizers said on Feb. 3 they are determined to stay until pandemic restrictions are lifted. They also said they have yet to hear directly from any government, whether federal, provincial, or municipal.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticized the protesters and not demonstrated a willingness to negotiate, but has said involving the military was “not in the cards right now.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.