For the second time in three weeks, Aylmer proved Ground Zero for those protesting the erosion of their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Aylmer Police estimate upward of 1,500 people attended the Freedom Rally – some from as far afield as Toronto and Windsor, with few wearing masks – held in the parking lot of the East Elgin Community Centre for impassioned speeches, followed by a noisy march downtown featuring tractors, cars and pickup trucks and a number of motorcycles.
There were anti-maskers, anti-vaxxers, coronavirus deniers and members of Aylmer’s Church of God on hand to voice support for religious freedom. There was even one brave soul loud and proud with his Donald Trump flag.
They all had one thing in common: no intervention in their lives from any level of government.
While town residents and business owners fear a COVID-19 outbreak days and weeks after the enthusiastic crowd dispersed, the real threat may be of a legal nature.
Toronto lawyer Rocco Galati – representing several groups present, including Aylmer-based Vaccine Choice Canada – warned Mayor Mary French not to invoke Emergency Orders at any future Freedom Rally in the town.
Likewise, Church of God Pastor Henry Hildebrand – the final speaker of the afternoon –
warned freedoms are not meant to be taken away under any circumstance.
Rally organizer Kimberly Charlton Neudorf – who is strongly critical of the COVID-19 response from all levels of government – whipped up the crowd with her comment, “We have had enough.”
Jonathan Weber – who travelled from Brantford with six friends – stressed healthy people don’t need to wear masks.
The lone counter protester visible near the parking lot bravely held up his sign, “Respect your neighbours, wear a mask.” Mike Moore, a lifelong Aylmer resident was of the strong opinion no one at the rally has lost any of their freedoms.
Most of the downtown businesses closed for the afternoon and both Aylmer Police and the OPP were on hand, controlling traffic flow and assisting vehicles in and out of the parking lot.
There were no instances of any physical confrontations during the afternoon.
A similar Freedom Rally is planned for next Saturday at the CASO station in St. Thomas.
