MEDICINE HAT, AB — The United We Roll convoy made its way through Medicine Hat and Redcliff this afternoon, attracting cheers and waves along the way.
More than 100 vehicles left Red Deer Thursday morning, planning to head to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to protest a variety of issues.
“You’re seeing actual oil field, political history being made today by these men and women behind the wheels of these big rigs and these light trucks like myself,” says Russ Mashford, a convoy participant from Red Deer. “We’re actually driving into the annals of Canadian history.”
Some local vehicles also joined the convoy, including two DD2 Oilfield Services trucks, and a Redcliff Stake & Lath truck.
Owner of Redcliff Stake & Lath, John McLeod will be driving in the convoy from Redcliff to Swift Current.
“We just have to show our support for the oil and gas industry and show our government that people have had enough of all of these wrongdoings that have been going on,” says McLeod. “It means people getting together, showing support for each other, it’s not just about one area, it’s about all these issues that are coming up in Canada right now. Everybody has to stand together for change.”
As the convoy rolled through Medicine Hat, local residents showed support by making signs, wearing yellow vests and waving.
Many showed support for the energy sector, and disapproval for the federal liberal government and Bill C-69.
“This has gotta end, the stuff that’s going on in Ottawa, no matter what party it is,” says Jack Newsted, a convoy participant from Lloydminster. “We’re Canadians, you deal for us, you don’t deal for your own specific principals or parties and stuff. This is about Canada.”
“We just have to show our government that we’re not happy, it’s time to start listening to Canadians. Canadians especially out west here just feel like their voices aren’t heard,” says McLeod. “All he wanted to do was throw money at Alberta, Alberta doesn’t want the money, Alberta wants to go back to work.”
Participants hope the convoy will pick up gain momentum as it makes the journey to Ottawa.
“It’ll definitely cause a ruckus in Ottawa, like they’ll probably be blocking roads,” says McLeod. “Whether or not it actually makes change, I don’t know but what we’re hoping for is change in that voting time.”
“We need to make Trudeau realize that we’re all standing together and hopefully he’s there,” says Mike Bahr, a local convoy participant. “We need to get the message across.”
They expect to reach Ottawa on February 17 or 18, depending on the weather across the country.
CHAT News also had a reporter on scene while the convoy came through Medicine Hat.
