Chris "Sky" Saccoccia, a speaker with the "Freedom Convoy" in Thunder Bay (Staff Photo)
An arrest and charges have been laid in an organized event in Thunder Bay hosted by the so-called “Freedom Rally” group.
Police say the protest was run by the same group that was staging similar events at various cities amid a cross-country tour, that started in British Columbia, with several large gatherings, and included a stop in Dryden.
A crowd of about 50 attended a protest outside the Government building in Dryden Monday, with a majority not wearing masks, despite provincial emergency orders prohibiting such activities.
Another rally was held Tuesday night in Thunder Bay with a few hundred in attendance which was in violation of the province’s current Stay at Home Order.
Police say two event organizers, one person from Thunder Bay and one person from British Columbia, were charged under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
A 37-year-old King City man was also charged with Breach of Undertaking and charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
He was arrested following Tuesday evening’s gathering and released with a future court date.
“Freedom Convoy” speaker Chris “Sky” Saccoccia spoke against the health restrictions.
“The business owners are the first group, they need to be open. The second group is the concerned parents. Why are you not all storming the region in one big group with a lawyer behind you, and saying ‘Take the mask off my kids’?” he says.
Organizers said there is a gag order against him so he is not allowed to speak in Ontario.
He also voiced concern about vaccines. “This is a very valid concern… is the government just changed the law to allow your employer to fire you, if you do not take a vaccine.”
Counter-protesters tried to drown out the demonstrators, as dozens of vehicles near Waverly Park sounded their horns when organizers spoke.
One car loudly played music from a large speaker for a portion of the event.
A brief altercation broke out after a person used a cane to knock the speaker down.
No names in the criminal charges have been released by police.
(With Files From Thunder Bay)
