One vocal American supporter of the trucker convoy had some choice words for Vancouver's mayor over the weekend.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has sparked controversy on a wide range of topics over the years, on everything from his tempestuous dealings with former President Donald Trump to his decision to skip town on a sunny vacation in Mexico while Texans were left to grapple with a deadly winter storm.
Now, the American politician has voiced his opinion about a statement Mayor Kennedy Stewart made in advance of the trucker's convoy that was scheduled for Saturday (Feb. 5).
Kennedy issued a warning on Friday to the demonstrators, stating: "Vancouver doesn’t want you here. Make your point and then go home."
In response, an impassioned Cruz retorted, "Mayor says 'Vancouver doesn’t want' truck drivers there. Folks might feel differently with empty shelves."
The U.S. senator's vocal opposition to the mayor's sentiment was met with a great deal of criticism on Twitter, albeit with some far-right-leaning support.
Stewart quipped, "Can someone tell [Ted Cruz] our store shelves are fine thanks to the 90 [per cent] of Canadian truckers who are fully vaccinated?"
The Vancouver mayor added that he was too busy high-fiving all the "awesome folks" in his city for push back on what he characterized as a "hate convoy."
Supporters of the "Stand United 'The Media is the Virus' Convoy/CTV Rally" clashed with counter-protesters throughout the day on Saturday. The event caused widespread traffic gridlocks and sparked skirmishes throughout the city, according to a recent VPD release.
Vancouver locals also organized a counter-blockade to prevent the anti-vaccine mandate convoy from entering the downtown core and blocking access to hospitals.
Participants of the counter blockade were encouraged to take photos, make signs bearing positive messages such as "Get Vaxxed", and wear face masks as well as hearing protection.
- With files from Cameron Thomson.
