Former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall texted advice to convoy organizer, CTV report says
CBC
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is facing questions after it was revealed his predecessor had given advice to Freedom Convoy organizers in February, as reported by CTV.
CBC News has reached out to Wall for comment.
According to CTV, Ottawa police obtained the texts, which were sent in February between Wall and convoy organizer Chris Barber, who is from Swift Current, Sask., as is Wall.
The convoy and eventual protest on the streets of Ottawa lasted more than three weeks. Barber and other organizers were later arrested and charged. In February, Barber was granted bail and ordered to leave Ottawa.
According to CTV, Wall's messages to Barber included:
On Jan. 25, Wall posted a video and message on his Facebook account of people cheering on the convoy as it travelled east near Maple Creek, Sask.
Wall wrote those heading east had "an earnest message not about the vaccines but about mandates and what they strongly believe to be the wrong policy for Canada."
He wrote "we live in a province that is on high alert when it comes to the prospect of the erosion of freedoms. I'm very thankful for that."
On Tuesday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he did not have contact with Barber and has not discussed the convoy with his predecessor.
"I've had numerous contacts with former premier Brad Wall, we haven't talked about this. To my recollection, I don't believe I've talked to him about the convoy in any way."
When asked about Wall's texts, Moe said Wall is a private citizen who was speaking to a former constituent.
Referring to the CTV story, Moe said Wall's advice was fine.
"Separate yourself from the extreme factions that might find their way into this. Look for opportunities to make your point and leave the area, so it doesn't become an illegal protest. So, I think the advice as you read the article was quite sound.
"When you look at the communication that has come to light it's pretty sound communication."
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