Trucker protest sympathizers roll through Kelowna

Another wave of protests fuelled by the actions of truckers who have paralyzed Canada’s capital rolled through the Okanagan Saturday.

Sympathizers of the cause, many cloaked in the Canadian flag, honked horns excessively and brandished signs throughout downtown projecting varied messages. Some took aim at public health measures, while others waved placards openly attacking the prime minster. One man had a sign that simply said, ‘courage is contagious.’

The fleet of mainly passenger trucks departed Vernon earlier in the day, expected to pass through several communities en route to Osoyoos and the U.S. border.

Similar rallies took place across the country, with the largest crowd expected in Ottawa, where throngs of counter protesters arrived, many being frustrated downtown residents who say the protest has turned into an occupation of their city.

Friday, GoFundeMe announced that a multi-million-dollar fundraiser for the convoy had been removed from its platform for violating its terms of service.

“Following a review of relevant facts and multiple discussions with local law enforcement and city officials, this fundraiser is now in violation of our Terms of Service (Term 8, which prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment) and has been removed from the platform,” the company said.

The online fundraiser had gathered over $10 million.

It came on the same day a class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of thousands of Ottawa residents seeking millions of dollars in damages and an injunction “prohibiting the continuation of the nuisance.”

According to a statement of claim filed in an Ontario court, the lawsuit is seeking $4.8 million for “private nuisance” and another $5 million in “punitive damages.”

The case, which was heard in by a judge Saturday morning, was adjourned until Monday

--With files from The Canadian Press