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This is not just another protest – Freedom Convoy is heading to Ottawa

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Millions of Canadians are wondering exactly what is happening on the highways leading to Ottawa.  An overwhelming amount of traffic is forming, not only on the highways, but also in social media, and on websites dedicated to the “Freedom Convoy”.
It appears the federal government’s decision to implement a vaccine mandate for truckers has hit a nerve with Canadians opposed to the mandating of vaccines to treat covid.  What started out as a cross country rally by truckers aiming to make a statement in Ottawa has exploded into a national and international phenomenon as people from around the world are turning their eyes to Canada to see more and more of the videos, posts, news articles, and podcasts focussing on opposition to mandating health restrictions.
Images of flag-waving Canadians lining up on overpasses to cheer on the truckers which started to trickle out on the weekend, are now flooding the internet.  Videos of trucks blowing their horns at intersections and overpasses are being heard in homes across the country and increasingly around the world.
Just what do all these protestors want?  One explanation comes from the GoFundMe page set up to help support the expenses truckers and supporters are encountering on their trip to Ottawa. That fundraiser easily blew through its initial goal of $3,000,000.00 on Monday morning.  The message from fundraiser organizer Tamara Lich begins with these comments:

To our Fellow Canadians, the time for political over reach is over.  Our current government is implementing rules and mandates that are destroying the foundation of our businesses, industries and livelihoods.  Canadians have been integral to the fabric of humanity in many ways that have shaped the planet.

We are a peaceful country that has helped protect nations across the globe from tyrannical governments who oppressed their people, and now it seems it is happening here. We are taking our fight to the doorsteps of our Federal Government and demanding that they cease all mandates against its people. Small businesses are being destroyed, homes are being destroyed, and people are being mistreated and denied fundamental necessities to survive. It’s our duty as Canadians to put an end to this mandates.  It is imperative that this happens because if we don’t our country will no longer be the country we have come to love.  We are doing this for our future Generations and to regain our lives back.

As of Monday morning, a facebook page called Convoy To Ottawa 2022 is already closing in on 400,000 followers.  The group is quickly becoming a favourite place for supporters to share their photos, videos and supportive messages.
Here’s a sample of posts and videos streaming in from across the county beginning with videos from the west coast and the east coast posted on Sunday.  The beginning stages of this convoy seem to show there’s already a groundswell of support.  It the momentum continues throughout this week as the convoy approached Ottawa, this may culminate in something Canadians have never seen before.
From a facebook post by Jon Lively
The number of trucks and light vehicles slow rolling out of the east and west coast’s today is astonishing. And the turnouts to wave them off were incredible.
I’ll admit, I live in a constant state of skepticism to avoid disappointment. But what I’m seeing today sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. It feels very real.
Regardless of what happens in Ottawa next week, this movement has me feeling a little prouder to be Canadian. I needed that in a bad way. I think we’re all feeling that.
I had people message me today who were in the various reception parties in BC and Alberta and they said it was very emotional. Many tears were shed. I understand why.
This is the most encouraging thing any of us in Canada have seen in two years. The love and unity is palpable.
Thank you to everyone involved. Behind you all the way❤️.

Sunday morning in Vancouver

Sunday morning outside Vancouver

Sunday morning at Abbotsford, BC.   Amazing turn out In Abby this morning!  Video from Shari Decker

 

Freedom Convoy to Ottawa coming through Langley, BC, at the crack of dawn on Jan 23, 2022.  Video from Jacob Lequijt

 

Highway 2 North Lacombe overpass just after 10 PM Sunday night

Joining the convoy from Aluc, New Brunswick on Sunday afternoon.  Video from 91.9 The Bend

A message from Ontario police Constable Erin Howard representing “Police On Guard”

Leaving Calgary Monday morning.

 

After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Alberta

Tell the Province what you think about 120 km/h speed limit on divided highways

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Alberta’s government is engaging with Albertans on increasing speed limits on rural highways.

Starting Nov. 7, Albertans can share their views on modernizing speed limits on divided highways through an online survey running until Dec. 12. The survey will ask how Albertans view raising the speed limit by 10 km/h on various highways from 110 km/h to 120 km/h.

“Alberta’s government is investigating how to safely increase speed limits on divided highways, and if Albertans support increasing speed limits. We are investing more than $1.5 billion this year alone to improve highway safety and upgrade infrastructure across the province. We want Albertans to be able to drive the speed limit that the highways are designed for. Modern vehicles combined with public awareness mean we can explore higher speed limits.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

The survey will provide Albertans with the opportunity to provide input on which highways they would prioritize having a speed limit increase, their views on restricting commercial trucks from using the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes and any other feedback that would improve driving experiences on provincial highways.

Following a review of the survey results, Alberta’s government plans to conduct a mini-trial of a 120 km/h speed limit to assess the impacts of higher speed limits on divided highways. The trial will include strong monitoring to assess driving behaviour.

Alberta’s government reminds motorists to slow down and drive to the conditions. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. When roads are wet, icy or when there is reduced visibility, motorists should slow down.

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s provincial highway network includes more than 64,000 lane kilometres of highways, about 11,700 lane kilometres of which are divided.
  • The posted speed limits of Alberta’s divided highways range from 100 to 110 km/h, although the posted speed limits on segments passing through cities, towns and First Nation lands can be as low as 50 km/h due to factors such as signalized intersections, pedestrians and local access.

Related information

  • The survey is available online.
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Alberta

Alberta Announces Members of Class Size and Complexity Committee

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A new Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee has been struck to address classroom challenges.

Taking action on class size and complexity

Classrooms in Alberta continue to grow and are becoming increasingly complex, and immediate action is needed to address these issues in the public education system. To meet these issues head on, the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee has been created. The cabinet committee will help guide government policy and deploy resources to deal with class sizes and classroom complexity.

“We are committed to providing world-class education, and we’re building schools and funding education at a rate unprecedented in this province. This committee will help us address the concerns of teachers, parents and students around class sizes and complexity.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

Throughout November, Alberta’s government will continue work with school boards to collect data on class sizes and classroom composition. The cabinet committee will use this data to direct resources to the classrooms that need it the most. Starting in January, this data will be made available and released annually.

The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will be co-chaired by the Premier of Alberta and the Minister of Education and Childcare. It will also include non-voting members representing school boards, administrators and a teacher representative of the ATA. The committee will also hear from school boards, academic experts, teachers, educational assistants, complex needs specialists and parents to inform its decisions and guide this vital work.

“We heard teacher concerns, and we are providing solutions. The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will help us take immediate action and ensure teachers and students are given the support they need to succeed.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

In June 2025, Alberta’s government established the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team to provide advice on addressing classroom complexity. The report has been received and will be released soon. Over the coming months, the cabinet committee will start rolling out solutions informed by the action team’s recommendations. In addition, the committee will guide the creation of a new inclusive education policy framework.

“The work of this committee will support teachers in responding to the growing complexity in our classrooms. We will ensure that the voices of the contributors to the initial work guide solutions that truly improve the educational experience for students and the educators who serve them.”

Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools

“I appreciate the government’s recognition of the impact of classroom complexity and their commitment to working collaboratively for improvement. Supporting teachers ultimately improves classroom conditions and student outcomes.”

Joanne Pitman, chief superintendent, Calgary Board of Education

Using data collected, this cabinet committee will also guide Alberta’s government in executing its commitment to hire 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 new educational assistants over the next three years. They will also assist in identifying and prioritizing where new schools and modulars should be built, advancing the government’s commitment to invest $8.6 billion to build 130 new schools, and provide 109 modular classrooms in the growing communities that need them urgently.

Quick facts

  • Members of the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee include:
    • Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta
    • Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
    • Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services
    • Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
    • Searle Turton, Minister of Child and Family Services
    • Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools
    • Nicole Buchanan, chair, Red Deer Public Schools
    • Marilyn Dennis, former president of Alberta School Boards Association
    • Mike McMann, superintendent, Fort Vermilion Schools and President, College of Alberta School Superintendents
    • Joanne Pitman, chief superintendent, Calgary Board of Education
    • Dr. Elissa Corsi, Alberta Teachers’ Association
  • Only Cabinet members are voting members. Additional guests will be invited to attend and share their expertise at the discretion of the chairs.
  • School boards will be required to submit data on Alberta classrooms by Nov. 24.

 

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