...
By Flynn Nicholls
US News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
What's New
Canadian truckers who participated in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests have celebrated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation after nearly a decade in power.
Appearing on Fox News on Monday, two organizers of the protest criticized Trudeau's leadership, including his decision to evoke emergency powers during the protests.
Read More on News
Newsweek has reached out to Canada's Liberal Party via online form for comment.
...
Why It Matters
The 2022 trucker protests marked a turning point in Trudeau's leadership, as his government controversially invoked emergency powers to address the blockades, which were protesting COVID-19 mandates. A Federal Court judge later ruled that Trudeau's use of the act was unconstitutional.
The measures, including freezing protesters' bank accounts, led to widespread criticism from the convoy participants and their supporters. During the protests, Trudeau's popularity declined and never recovered.
What To Know
After Trudeau announced his resignation, Fox News hosted Chris Barber, who is a trucker, and Tamara Lich—the co-organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy. The pair are accused of criminal mischief, intimidation and counseling people to break the law for their roles in the demonstration, with a verdict expected in March.
Speaking to host Trace Gallagher, Barber welcomed Trudeau's resignation as "long overdue," describing it as "about time" for a change in leadership. He criticized the Trudeau government for what he called "vicious tyrannical mandates" and emphasized the economic challenges that Canada faced under Trudeau's leadership.
Lich also expressed satisfaction with the announcement, stating, "We were very successful at exposing the man that he actually is." She referred to Trudeau as an "ideologically authoritarian politician" and called his resignation a victory.
Trudeau's use of the Emergencies Act during the protests remains a sore point for truckers. The measures included freezing personal and corporate bank accounts, towing vehicles, and tightening anti-money laundering rules to target crowdfunding platforms supporting the protests. Trudeau defended the decision at the time as necessary to restore order, but it intensified opposition among convoy supporters.
The protests began in early 2022 in response to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers but quickly expanded into broader demonstrations against pandemic restrictions. The protests disrupted major trade routes and sparked political divisions, with Trudeau standing firm on the mandates.
The Freedom Convoy participants have faced ongoing legal challenges since the protests. Both Barber and Lich have stated that the legal process has been frustrating, expensive, and time-consuming, with verdicts expected in March.
What People Are Saying
Chris Barber, Canadian truck driver and Freedom Convoy organizer, to Fox News: "We've been through the most vicious tyrannical mandates in the last nine years, including the COVID-19 mandates under Trudeau, where we've been in trouble up here for quite some time, so this is welcome news."
Tamara Lich, Freedom Convoy organizer, to Fox News: "What we achieved in Ottawa, we were very successful at exposing the man that he actually is, which is essentially an ideologically authoritative politician. So you know, I'll take it. It's a win."
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, in his news conference on Monday: "There will be confidence votes in March in the passing of supply that will allow Parliament to weigh in on confidence in a way that is entirely in keeping with the principles of democracy and working of our institutions."
What Happens Next
The Liberal Party will select a new leader, and opposition parties are expected to bring forward a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes in March. A spring election to determine Trudeau's permanent replacement appears likely.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines