The United We Roll convoy stopped in Airdrie on their way back from Ontario to the delight of the group of supporters waiting in the freezing cold in the parking lot of the Ron Ebbeson Arena yesterday.

The convoy arrived in fashion, with horns blasting and Canadian flags waving. Supporters cheered and raised their signs, all in support.

Mike Jepson, known as Wheelman for the convoy, describes exactly what the convoy is for.

"Lots of support, lots of people. Actually, the one truck that's pulling in was a huge supporter of it all. It's awareness of what's going on with the government. We're not happy with what's going on and the government needs to listen to the citizens of Canada and we need to unite the East and the West together."

Jepson says the support that they saw not just in Airdrie, but all across Canada, was incredible.

"Overwhelming. There was overwhelming support of Canadians across Canada. We've had lots of young children, families, and everything waiting outside for the trucks to pass with the convoy. 9 o'clock at night, we had people standing on the side of the streets just waiting for us to come by with Canada flags and vests on. It was very, very overwhelming and very, very supportive."

When asked what if felt like to see the support, Jepson only had one word to say.

"Canadian. Canadian. We are Canadians and we're showing our support."

Other convoy members Stacie Banno and Angie Reid say the support inspired emotion.

"It is completely overwhelming. I was in tears rolling in without a doubt," says Banno.

"It was all across Canada too, just like this. It was amazing," Reid recalls.

Banno gave an inside description of their ultimate goal.

"Our ultimate goal is to get our pipeline built, get our oil to tidewater, say no to bill C-48, no to bill C-69.

With all the support, Banno says any animosity was barely noticed.

"A little bit, but compared to the amount of support we've had, it was a little blip on the screen and it didn't phase us at all."

 

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