Nova Scotia bans gatherings along highway in support of truckers

The Nova Scotia government has made it illegal to gather alongside highways in support of the Trucker convoy.

According to a press release from the government, the Highway Blockade Ban "applies to people who stop or gather alongside Highway 104, the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border, or at the Cobequid Pass toll area in support of the 2022 Freedom Convoy, the Atlantic Hold the Line event, or others organized to interfere with traffic."

Another section also prohibits the financing of such activities. It is unknown whether this is referring to the GoFundMe for the convoy, which has presently raised $7.5 million dollars.

Fines for breaking the law can reach up to $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.

"I can’t believe they would do that," Nova Scotia driver and convoy organizer Martin Brodmann told True North on Friday. Prominent figures have also reacted to this news. Dr. Jordan B. Peterson said "this has truly crossed a line: Nova Scotia bans gatherings along highway in support of trucker freedom convoy."

Peterson also called out Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. "What the hell are you thinking Tim Houston? How dare you make it illegal for Canadians to express their political opinions? Your actions have crossed the line into outright political illegitimacy. Beware."

On the flipside, others have suggested this new directive has nothing to do with stopping pro-freedom protestors and more to do with the standard laws in Nova Scotia. National Post Columnist Terry Glavin replied to Dr. Peterson's tweet saying "Fact check: false. Whatever else might be going on here, in Nova Scotia it's against the law to block highways or gather in groups on highways."

However, others have suggested that this is in fact a new order, directly targeting protestors.

Nova Scotia’s "Highway Blockade Ban" will be in place until at least February 6, 2022.