Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/more-data-canada-truck-convoy-donors-leaked-website-2022-02-15/
The ‘Freedom Convoy’ has taken over Canada, disrupting trade and travel, along with blocking crucial routes for the automotive industry. The protests, taking place primarily in the capital city Ottawa, are ongoing to show resistance towards the pandemic regulations, most notably the vaccine mandate and mask-wearing rules. A leak website called Distributed Denial of Secrets posted additional information about donors to the cause on Tuesday, following a Sunday leak as well. The information released pertained to individuals and companies who gave monetary contributions to the “Freedom Convoy 2022” effectively fueling the large protests that have harmed Canada’s wellbeing in many ways. This information was helpful to authorities all over the country trying to stop these protests, since they have been blocking cities and border crossings along with making threats and demands to the government.
The protests in Canada have proven to have a powerful impact on the nation’s economic and political success. After two weeks of gridlock on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the protesters are not dispersing, they say that they will only move once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Called the ‘Freedom Convoy,’ these protests have frozen the city along with other parts of the country, most importantly borders between Canada and the United States. Just this week the Canadian Prime Minister has taken serious action to put an end to these protests, but it is evident that more swift action must be taken.
These protests have been an outward global sign of resistance against COVID-19 rules and mandates, having a regional impact on the United States, and Canadian and US economies and politics. Travel and trade have been significantly impacted in both of the countries. It also will come to affect United States politics as the issues being protested in Canada are expected to become similar issues in the United States. It is seen by some for US conservative leaders to show their support for the Canadian protests to align themselves with the cause. The protests are largely foreign-funded and an outward sign of encroachment on Canadian government, institutions, and infrastructure.