Photo does not show truckers participating in Canada's 'Freedom Convoy 2022'
Photo does not show truckers participating in Canada’s 'Freedom Convoy 2022'
(Reuters) - A photo showing rows of illuminated trucks has been falsely linked to a 2022 protest convoy in Canada.
The rolling demonstration began in Vancouver on Jan. 23 and travelled on to Ottawa to protest the government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for truckers. The industry says such a mandate would create driver shortages and fuel inflation.
On social media, a photo captured at dusk showing rows of illuminated parked trucks has been associated with the movement.
“I don t think anyone really grasps how big this is,” said one caption on Facebook (here). “From every corner of the country. Rolling into Ottawa and staying put until action is taken.”
However, the picture has nothing to do with the protest convoy. Reuters traced it back to July 2019, where it was shared online in relation to a truck show in Alberta.
It has also been shared on the social media pages of Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku.
In a social media message to Reuters, the Blackjacks Roadhouse & Games Room said: “We can confirm that we own the photo used in both the links you provided.
“This photo was taken at Blackjacks Roadhouse & Games Room in Nisku, Alberta on July 6th, 2019 during the Pro-Trucker Magazine Big Rig Show & Shine.”
The spokesperson added that the photo had been used in the social media posts about the convoy without permission.
VERDICT
Miscaptioned. The photo was captured during a truck show in Alberta in 2019. It has nothing to do with the 2022 convoy against COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
