'World Unity' convoy gathers outside Winnipeg, proclaims new message of peace

A convoy has set up space south of Dugald this weekend, about 20 km east of Winnipeg, where hundreds from across the country are expected to come together at what is being dubbed "Camp Hope."

Many within the Manitoba convoy say they were previously part of the so-called freedom convoy in early 2022, which choked downtown Ottawa and blocked border crossings in protest of COVID-19 mandates.

The Manitoba convoy was set up just a day after the Emergencies Act inquiry's final report was tabled in the House of Commons, which found the federal government met the threshold to use it last year. Organizers say their event is different from the Ottawa blockade, which ended a year ago.

"Camp Hope is not here to tear the government down. We are not here to block roads," Camp Hope owner Walter Hiebert told CBC on Saturday. "Camp Hope has nothing to do with the convoy... That was pushing the mandates; this is what we bring. People back together and bringing groups back together and bringing peace."

Hiebert, who said he was pepper-sprayed twice during the blockade in Ottawa, owns the 50 acre property. He said the event was to "bring hope" to those who are suffering, as many families, including his own, have been impacted by suicide. "God put it on my heart to build Camp Hope...there are so many lost souls right now," he said. 

In an email to CBC, Manitoba RCMP said they are aware of the Dugald convoy and are working in collaboration with Winnipeg police to ensure safety and to prepare for a possible increased number of vehicles on nearby highways.

The group has been in "constant communication" with law enforcement, who visit the camp a few times a day, said Hiebert.

"We want to protect the police. The police want to protect us. We want to work together with them and try to restore Canada."

James Bauder, co-founder of the group Canada Unity and a co-organizer of last year's protest in Ottawa, previously announced a "Freedom Convoy 2.0" in January, which was intended to take place in Winnipeg.

Bauder later said in a Facebook post that he was cancelling the event due to unspecified security reasons. The event was meant to draw attendees from across the country to the heart of the continent, which Hiebert said is a goal of Camp Hope's.

"We are here to bring people back together, to peace, love and unity," he told CBC Saturday.

Hundreds are expected to be in attendance and a steady stream of people, including families with children, were seen entering the camp premises while CBC was there. Speeches, musical events and workshops were planned for the day. 

Rules are in place at the camp to prevent people from using drugs and alcohol, Hiebert said, and there have been no incidents thus far.

"We want to do this in peace," he said. "The whole world is watching."