Not long ago we celebrated the dismissal of this class-action lawsuit against the Freedom Convoy, spearheaded by Ottawa resident Zexi Li. Today we find ourselves hoping for a positive outcome again, as their appeal has now been granted legitimacy.
Zexi Li, joined by other residents and businesses in Ottawa closest to the Convoy, filed a lawsuit against the Freedom Convoy organizers, participants and supporters seeking $290 million: $60 million in general damages for “private nuisance and public nuisance causing pain, suffering and psychological distress,” $70 million for business losses, $150 million for loss of wages, and $10 million in punitive damages. Two of those named as defendants include Daniel Bulford and Tom Marazzo – both proud members of Police on Guard who have fought tirelessly for the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.
Zexi Li is a federal employee who garnered national attention for absurdly comparing the Convoy to The Purge – a fictitious event in which the public is given temporary carte blanche to commit murder and other acts of violence without interference from law enforcement.
The Ontario Court of Appeal details the judicial reasoning behind allowing the lawsuit to move forward; emphasizing that the plaintiffs’ claims, alleging public and private nuisance from the Convoy’s actions, were legally tenable and deserved a full hearing.
While the validity of their case has yet to be determined in the courts, it is important to clarify a few key arguments and misconceptions, for those who were not in attendance.
The Freedom Convoy of 2022 aimed to challenge government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, particularly those affecting truckers, and broader public freedoms for all.
While the claimants identified prolonged horn-honking and blockades as being unbearable for residents and businesses in the area, it should be known that the Convoy participants went out of their way to support nearby businesses, regularly cleaning the streets as well as offering assistance and support to the local homeless population.
On February 7, 2022, in the Ontario Superior Court, The Honorable Mr. Justice McLean ruled the Convoy legal with an order that the honking was to cease and if it did “persons remain at liberty to engage in a peaceful, lawful and safe protest”. This order was obeyed for the remainder of the Convoy.
The location of the Convoy blockades was coordinated entirely by local police. Crime rates in downtown Ottawa plummeted during this period. Businesses that were forced to close, were closed as a result of the Covid mandates put in place by government or closed based on recommendations by government fearmongering, lying about the intent of the Convoy and potential for violence. The Convoy proved to be a completely non-violent event with ample evidence showing that the only violence was perpetrated against the Convoy itself by law enforcement.
And most importantly, none of this would have occurred at all if our government had simply been willing to come to the table to discuss these issues, rather than hiding from them.
The Convoy ignited debates about civil liberties and government overreach across the globe, discussions that continue to resonate to this day. This single event brought together truckers, workers, and citizens who felt marginalized by policies like vaccine mandates and border restrictions, aiming to restore personal freedoms and economic stability. No other event in our recent history has fostered such solidarity and galvanized such a diverse coalition of people; in direct contrast to the divisiveness being promoted by our government officials.
The Convoy became the catalyst for open dialogue.
Regardless of the eventual outcome of this lawsuit, the Freedom Convoy will forever be remembered and praised by many for its role in empowering citizens, creating a narrative of resilience and advocacy in the face of adversity.
While we look forward to a just and favourable outcome, in our own hearts and minds we already acknowledge the incredible achievements of the Convoy and those involved.
Together we stand.
To read the Court of Ontario Appeal decision, click here
