Whose Freedom does the Convoy Stand For?

A call to action for anti-racist white folks

TORONTO – Headlines and social media feeds across the continent have been dominated with news about the so-called “trucker” convoy that has occupied downtown Ottawa unchallenged for the last week and now appears to be making its way toward Toronto.

We extend care and solidarity to those in Ottawa who have been targeted and harassed by this self-described movement for “freedom,” and to folks in our communities here who are understandably concerned about their safety in the coming days. We also stand in solidarity with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg who do not support this convoy on their unceded territories, and with Tungasuvvingat Inuit whose community members have been endangered and unable to access vital services.

Many have expressed surprise at the police’s non-response to the aggressive and violent takeover of downtown Ottawa. As an organization committed to abolition, we believe that the police do not, and will never, keep us safe – indeed, their goals and allegiances have been on full display this week. SURJ Toronto will continue to denounce the police state for the violence and repression that it directs daily against Black, Indigenous, racialized, migrant, unhoused, and other targeted communities.

SURJ Toronto condemns the white supremacists who are leveraging anger about the state’s pandemic response to spread hateful, fascist, racist, and antisemitic rhetoric and to further division and violence in communities. The anti-public health messaging being elevated reinforces individualistic, neoliberal, and pro-capitalist approaches that erode support for disability justice and collective care. This violence cannot be tolerated, and we must confront the convoy’s tactics and messaging – this is a crucial time to organize and speak out against hate, and to keep each other safe.

Let us be clear that this convoy is the result of extremists who have spent time, energy, and capital to organize behind the scenes. We should not trivialize or dismiss what is happening: the 10 million dollars flowing to this convoy and their extensive coordination, mobilization, and traction are alarming indications of how the far-right is building power across so-called Canada. We cannot negotiate with white supremacists, but we do have a responsibility to out-organize them.

There are many reasons to be angry and frustrated by a system that is inherently working against the many for the benefit of the few. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments have all failed us by prioritizing corporate greed and business over health, social safety, and community. The ongoing demand that workers and families risk our lives to labour for the profits of others, while the government refuses to institute paid sick days, is just one example of the hypocrisy of those in power.

But we must vehemently reject false solutions like violently scapegoating oppressed communities or demanding individual freedoms for some at the expense of the safety of many others. Rather than dismantling already precarious public health measures, we must direct our collective rage at the corporate-governmental alliance that has prioritized profit over true safety and community well-being at every phase of this pandemic. We believe the only way toward actual freedom is to fight for liberation from all oppressive systems, policies, and practices for everyone. Thus we take leadership and guidance from Black, Indigenous, and racialized organizers, and work to dismantle the very systems that oppress: white supremacy, colonialism, capitalism, ableism, and more.

This convoy has only highlighted the urgent need for anti-racist white folks to get organized. If we do not engage our families, friends, co-workers, and communities, the right will.

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We urge all white folks to find your stake in racial justice, and challenge yourself to make a difference. Join us.