Anniversary convoy claim no intention to block border
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on January 27, 2023.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com
An anniversary convoy to Coutts and fundraiser event is scheduled to take place tomorrow departing from Lethbridge at 9:30 a.m. in support of the four men who remain in custody accused of conspiring to kill RCMP officers during the protest at the Coutts border last year.
Convoy organizer Chelle Landry said the event is intended to raise funds to help Christopher Lysak, Anthony Olienick, Jerry Morin and Chris Carbert and their families.
“They are political prisoners, they were arrested in February of 2022, and they have been held in jail without bail and they’ve lost a lot,” said Landry.
She said they are everyday Canadians, regular community guys who have been held in custody.
“We’re standing up against the injustice and raising money to help support their families, since they are not able to support their families and work because they are locked up, and to help with any legal costs they may have as well,” said Landry.
She said the plan is to drive to Coutts, turn around without crossing the border and return to Lethbridge.
“We’re not blocking the border, it’s a convoy so we are just driving,” said Landry.
She said they picked Jan. 28 for the event as it is the closest day to the one year anniversary mark from the convoy last year.
“We want to create awareness of what is happening, as a lot of people have forgotten about Coutts and Ottawa and a lot of people think that there’s no problems anymore, and that’s far from the truth,” said Landry.
She said she wants to make people aware there is still something to stand against.
Once they come back to Lethbridge they will be having a barbecue fundraiser and silent auction with a few speakers.
“People are welcome to come. Everything is by donation. People can get a burger, chips and hot dog by donation with all of the money raised going to the four men who are incarcerated,” said Landry.
She said another way to support the men has been created by Granny-Margaret Mackay, who created a group on social media called “Alberta Political Prisoners”.
“She is one of our biggest advocates, she makes sure they know they haven’t been forgotten. She send them birthday cards, letters, and updates of what is happening to try and keep their spirits up,” said Landry.
She said it is hard on the men as she argues they are not criminals, and she hopes that people remember they are innocent until proven guilty and that they are not guilty just because they were arrested.
“A good example is Joanne Person, who will be speaking at the event, she was also arrested but her charges were dropped when she said ‘show me the evidence’ and her preliminary was coming and they dropped the charges. That just proves that it is innocent until proven guilty,” said Landry.
Person still faces a charge of dangerous driving in relation to the Coutts border protest.
Landry said she has personally contacted the Lethbridge Police Service and the RCMP to let them know about the convoy, and she had a positive response from both.
“They assured us that they will be there to keep things safe and they are not going to stop us, or block us. They are allowing us our right to protest or to convoy and we appreciate that, especially because the way things ended last year and people getting arrested…it is when there are officers who are willing to work with us to have a successful and peaceful event,” said Landry.
The Herald reached out to LPS regarding the convoy anniversary, and they provided a statement saying they are aware of the planned convoy and will be monitoring the event to maintain public safety.
The RCMP also indicated they are aware of the event, and provided a statement.
“The RCMP and partners are working with the organizers to ensure it is lawful and that police and public safety is maintained, as well as to protect the rights of Canadians.”Â
The barbecue and silent auction will take place at 3214 5 Ave North, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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26-25
What crap. Keep them in jail.