Witness Testimony

Diedrich Wall testified that as a southern Manitoba trucking company owner employing approximately 40 people, he became active in anti-mandate efforts beginning with outdoor church services in Winkler in May 2021, after indoor worship was restricted. Approximately 70–100 people attended two outdoor services, after which he and other organizers were fined $1,296 per event for violating gathering limits. He described police documentation of attendees and stated that continued services were discouraged through threats of additional enforcement.
In January 2022, following federal vaccine mandates for cross-border truck drivers, Wall organized a “slow-roll” protest at the Emerson, Manitoba–U.S. border beginning January 17, intentionally slowing commercial traffic without blocking the highway. He later sent nine company-affiliated trucks to participate in the Freedom Convoy, four of which remained in Ottawa. One owner-operator truck leased to his company was impounded during enforcement operations, licence plates were removed, and provincial operating permits in Ontario were suspended for approximately one month. Wall testified that he and his wife understood participation could jeopardize their entire business and the livelihoods of their employees but felt morally compelled to proceed.
Wall also helped organize the February 2022 truck protest at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, where approximately 50 trucks and large numbers of supporters gathered for several weeks. He described the protest as peaceful, involving ongoing negotiations with Winnipeg police, and stated that demonstrators sought direct dialogue with Premier Heather Stefanson but were denied. He testified that protesters ultimately vacated after receiving notice that enforcement action would proceed under emergency authorities. Wall concluded that the convoy movement exposed governmental overreach, restored public unity, and contributed to the lifting of provincial mandates, including mask requirements.