The group behind the protest against COVID-19 public health measures at the Manitoba legislature says it wants to meet with Premier Heather Stefanson in a letter sent to her office Tuesday.
"We are a group of citizens that have come together to express our perspective and concerns regarding the COVID-19 mandates," stated the letter. "We are mothers, fathers, grandparents, children and community members who have had our lives disrupted by divisive policies that have split our families, friends and communities apart. We are not a group of extremists, and we condemn all manifestations of hate, racism, misogyny and disrespect. It is time that we learn to live with COVID-19 and end the COVID-19 mandates by establishing a clear path forward with set calendar dates. It is time for healing to begin while at the same time supporting our health care workers."
The group sent a letter Tuesday signed "Freedom Convoy Winnipeg", calling on the provincial government to act in five areas:
- Implement an immediate return to democratic dialogue and engage in conversations
with all stakeholders.
- Create a plan with hard end dates to all Manitoba COVID-19 mandates.
- Immediate reinstatement of Provincial employees who were placed on leave or
terminated due to COVID-19 mandates.
- Openly advocate to the Federal Government to remove travel/border restrictions and
reinstate all employees who were placed on leave due to COVID-19 mandates.
- Review the Emergency Measures Act and Public Health Act to ensure that citizens’
constitutional freedoms will be adequately respected in the future.
The letter also included thanks to the Province, the City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Police Service for their cooperation in facilitating the demonstration.
Meanwhile, the organizers of the convoy in Ottawa retracted their Memorandum Of Understanding yesterday. In a post on their website, the group states "Canada Unity does not support or encourage any acts which tarnish democratic values held by Canadians."
On Tuesday, new public health orders came into effect as the province begins reopening with an eye to restrictions being lifted by spring.
A spokesperson for the Premier didn't say Tuesday whether Stefanson would meet with the protest organizers.