CBC suggests that Russia is behind Canadian Truckers’ Freedom Convoy

"I do ask that because given Canada's support of Ukraine, in this current crisis with Russia, I don't know if it's far fetched to ask but there is concern that Russian actors could be continuing to fuel things, as this as this protest grows, but perhaps even instigating it from from the outset," CBC panelist Koksal said.

"Again, I'm gonna defer to our partners in the public safety the of trained officials and experts in that area," Mendicino said, seemingly dismissing Koksal's allegation. "What I can tell you is that we do have courses on site right now who are watching the conduct of this convoy very carefully and we're providing direction and guidance to residents to ensure that there is a peaceful protest, but at the same time, providing direction and guidance to residents."

"And obviously, it's important that Parliament continue to function. It's important that we provide essential services to to Canadians and those back in the area and all of that will continue on the strength of the advice that we're getting from police and other partners in the public safety apparatus," he concluded.

There is no evidence Russia has any involvement in the Freedom Convoy. This allegation was made as Canadian truckers made their way to Ottawa today for a planned protest in which they have stated their intention to "gridlock" the city until the Trudeau government lifts vaccine mandate requirements for the trucking industry.

Earlier in the same segment, Minister Marco Mendicino alleged the government has "seen people who are equating vaccine mandates to an ushering in of a new era ,like Nazi Germany." Mendicino also alleged that "we're seeing the flying of Confederate flags, and we're seeing frankly, some organizers [wanting to] overthrow the government through violence."

Mendicino also stated the convoy is not truly about freedom. "Frankly, there's just too much of that from the leaders of this convoy, which is not about freedom. It's certainly not about truckers..."

Footage shot by Beth Baisch in Ottawa on Saturday shows blocks and blocks of trucks lining the streets. Protestors are marching through sub zero temperatures to express their anger at the Trudeau government.

Trucks stretched for several blocks as protestors continued to gather at Parliament Hill. Protestors brought signs, music, and an incredible cacophony of honking horns as they stood bundled in the snow against the cold.

Trudeau has come out in opposition to the truckers and their demands, while Conservative leader Erin O'Toole has essentially hedged his bets, and MP Pierre Poilievre has spoken in support of those truckers who, once lauded as heroes for keeping Canadians' grocery store shelves stocked during the pandemic, are now vilified by leaders and media alike.

Trudeau is working from home this week after a Covid exposure. He has since said that he is in isolation following a positive Covid test for one of his children.

But the people have been voicing their full-throated support, including Dr. Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and many Canadians.