Note: This article has been updated to include information about a second convoy planned for Feb. 5.
The vehicle convoy leaving Ponoka on Jan. 29 took 20 full minutes — from the first vehicle to the last — to depart from the Co-Op Oils and Tim Hortons parking lots. Dozens of big rigs were followed by many passenger vehicles, sporting Canadian flags, signs and slogans.
Ponoka RCMP members were on scene to help direct traffic. Supporters also gathered to watch the convoy leave, cheering the drivers on.
The convoy headed to the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton.
Ponoka County resident Anthony Froese said the convoy was in support of Freedom Convoy 2022. He was the organizer of the convoy for the Ponoka area.
Froese said although he isn’t personally anti-vax, the goal of the convoy to Edmonton was to “get some freedom.”
“Slowly, over two, even three years, we’ve been losing freedoms,” said Froese, adding that people should be able to visit with their families on holidays and birthdays.
Froese said although he doesn’t believe the convoy will accomplish an end to public health mandates, that things need to get back to how they were before COVID-19.
“Things need to change.”
According to Froese, the group plans to hold a “round two” convoy, starting in southern Alberta and heading to Edmonton on Saturday, Feb. 5.
READ MORE: Thousands gather on Parliament Hill for protest against vaccine mandates
