BREAKING: Freedom Convoy organizers expect GoFundMe to lift suspension on campaign

The leaders of the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa is held a press conference on Thursday, where they provided updates regarding their plans to depart, their requests to the federal government, and the situation with the movement's GoFundMe, which was recently suspended by the platform.

The conference was held by Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) lawyer Keith Wilson, who are assisting the convoy, former RCMP officer Danny Olford, and Tamara Lich.

Lich told press that the organizers did not intend to stay for any time longer than what was necessary, and that their exit depended on the lifting of mandates.

Lich said that people in Canada are "tired of mandates and restrictions in their lives," citing countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, and Switzerland as those who have removed COVID mandates and restrictions.

Lich said that the convoy would move when their is a clear plan in place to remove mandates, and also noted that the premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, had just recently moved to remove most COVID regulations from his province.

Convoy organizers have not been reached out to by the federal, municipal, or provincial government, and instead are "using the media to portray [the convoy] as racists, misogynists, and even terrorists."

Lich also provided insight on the situation with the GoFundMe, which was recently suspended for further review. Lich said that the the convoy has been working with lawyers and accountants, to "deal with legal details," and that a lawyer has sent all details and documents requested by GoFundMe on Thursday morning.

"I'm confident that GoFundMe has all information needed to lift suspension placed on campaign. I'm hoping to hear from GoFundMe soon, so that we can get money to the truckers, and keep our protest for freedom moving forward," she said.

GoFundMe will be used to reimburse truckers

JCCF Lawyer Keith Wilson provided details on the GoFundMe after the site suspended the campaign, saying that the "heightened due diligence" was welcomed, and that on Monday,  "we took the steps to incorporate on behalf of the freedom convoy organization a not for profit Canada corporation.

"We've taken steps to establish appropriate banking and other arrangements. all the funds that have not yet made it to that bank account are being held in trust for the benefit of the movement. An accountant and lawyers are involved," he said.

"All the legal and accounting check boxes have occurred there's audit procedures and so on in place, that will allow GoFundMe to flow the funds that so many have donated.

"Once we reach the point where GoFundMe has released the funds, the cooperate lawyer experts on the team and accountants are currently refining the process for truckers and others who have been involved in the convoy and are here now to be reimbursed, and we will be communicating that to them so that they can make claims.