National

GoFundMe cancels Ottawa protest fundraiser

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Feb, 2022 05:34 PM

OTTAWA - Crowdfunding site GoFundMe will reimburse or redirect to charities the vast majority of the more than $10 million raised by demonstrators protesting COVID-19 measures in Ottawa, saying the event has become an occupation.

The move could deny participants a vital source of funds as Ottawa braces for a new wave of protesters slated to arrive in the national capital this weekend.

GoFundMe says it supports peaceful protest and that it believes that was the initial intention of the Ottawa event.

The crowdfunding site says it now has evidence from law enforcement that the demonstration "has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity."

GoFundMe says the fundraiser has been removed from its platform because it violates the site's terms of service, which prohibit the promotion of violence and harassment.

An initial $1 million was released to organizers earlier this week but, given how things have evolved, GoFundMe will issue refunds to donors and work with organizers to send remaining funds to "credible and established charities."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. increases event recovery fund to $30 million

Melanie Mark, the minister of tourism, arts and culture, says COVID-19 and recent natural disasters have had devastating impacts on events and tourism, and expanding the program to nearly $30 million is a way to help communities safely resume activities.

B.C. increases event recovery fund to $30 million

Two in five Canadians know unvaxed people: poll

The survey conducted by Leger and commissioned by the Association for Canadian Studies suggests four in ten Canadians have a friend or family member who is not vaccinated. Seventy per cent of these don’t discuss the matter with them, with half of those saying they have given up trying to persuade them to get protective shots.

Two in five Canadians know unvaxed people: poll

8.5 million of promised two billion trees planted

Figures obtained through an access to information request show 8.5 million trees had been planted as of mid-November, representing just over 0.4 per cent of what the Liberals have repeatedly promised.

8.5 million of promised two billion trees planted

BoC to keep inflation target, will consider jobs

Canada’s central bank has been told to keep the annual pace of price gains at its historic target, but also to help build up the labour market. Since 1991, the Bank of Canada has targeted an annual inflation rate of between one and three per cent, often landing in a sweet spot at two per cent.

BoC to keep inflation target, will consider jobs

Dr. Theresa Tam looks ahead to next health crisis

Canada's top doctor is urging the federal government to transform its public health system so the country is better equipped to handle future and present health threats. Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call on the need for "public health renewal" in Canada.

Dr. Theresa Tam looks ahead to next health crisis

Canada could 'align' EV incentives with U.S.: PM

Trudeau says the two countries have been building cars together for more than 50 years — an alliance threatened by President Joe Biden's efforts to boost sales of vehicles made in the U.S. with union labour.