Roman Baber calls James Topp “a true Canadian hero,” 22 MPs agree to meet with Topps in Ottawa
“I understand James’ position and frustration,” Roman Baber says of his walk with James Topp. “I too was ‘relieved of my position’ in the Ontario PC caucus for speaking out against my own government policies of lockdowns and medical segregation.” Photo: Twitter/Roman Baber
Conservative Leadership candidate Roman Baber joined James Topp in Northern Ontario as he nears Ottawa at the completion of his 4,300 kilometer walk across Canada to protest government actions during COVID-19.
“I gained incredible confidence in the strength and the future of our country,” Baber tweeted during his 15 kilometer walk with Topp, who has walked almost 4300 kilometers across Canada and is expected to arrive in Ottawa within a week.
In a later email, Baber wrote, “This past Wednesday I had the honour of joining a true hero as he marches across Canada in support of freedom and our Charter Rights.
“James Topp has served his country faithfully for 28 years as a member of our armed forces, eventually reaching the rank of Warrant Officer, the highest rank possible for an enlisted soldier. He served in the Balkans and four tours in Afghanistan. Despite this distinguished record of service, he was released from his position after speaking out in defence of the very rights and freedoms that he has spent his life protecting.
“I understand James’ position and frustration. I too was ‘relieved of my position’ in the Ontario PC caucus for speaking out against my own government policies of lockdowns and medical segregation, and I continue to speak out against these draconian practices.
“James deserves our support and encouragement as he strives to bring attention to the injustice and harm inflicted on Canadians and our Constitution through vaccine mandates and arbitrary lockdowns. He is a true Canadian hero.”
Topp’s epic walk has been inspired by the Trucker’s Freedom Convoy in January and February 2022. As noted on the Canadamarches.ca website, which is chronicling his 4297 kilometer journey, Topps “is walking to protest federal government mandates that require, as a condition for employment or continued employment, vaccination, testing, quarantine, and/or isolation.
“He has has stepped forward to speak on behalf of those personnel employed by the federal government or otherwise who have been denied access to employment and services, who have lost income and have suffered from damaged relationships due to the imposition of a medical procedure; and also to speak on behalf of those who have, through the introduction of false constructs surrounding choices and consequences, been pressured into taking part in medical procedures that they would not otherwise have accepted.”
Under a policy announced on October 6, 2021, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration (CPA), including members and reservists of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) must be vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement applies whether employees are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. Numerous federal government cabinet ministers spoke at a press conference on June 14th in which it was stated repeatedly that although vaccine mandates for federal civil servants and travellers within Canada have been suspended, they may be re-instated in the future.
As a result of the Letter to MPs Topp and his team sent to Members of Parliament (text below), at least 22 Members have agreed to meet with him to discuss his concerns as he arrives in Ottawa.
Why James Topp is marching across Canada – Letter to MPs
24 May 2022
To the Honorable Member,
Clarification of Canada Marches Goals
1. It is my goal to make Members of Parliament aware of the following information to clarify, avoid misunderstanding, and have open dialogue:
a. Charges pending. These charges pertain to the Department of National Defence and Code of Service Discipline, not the Criminal Code of Canada. At this time, no sentence has been passed as the process is ongoing. These charges do not relate to the freedom convoy;
b. Canada Marches is NOT the Freedom Convoy. In light of recent reports, I am now aware of the sentiment that my endeavor might be connected with the Freedom Convoy. This is not the case. While I was inspired by the Freedom Convey, my initiative stands on its own and has its own clear direction. This is the effort of James Topp and the Canada Marches team in order to address the issues at hand. This erroneous connection is detracting from our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue;
c. There is an urgent need for dialogue. My observations during the course of my travels over the last 100 days, along with my extensive interaction with the Canadian public, lead me to believe that your attention is required with regards to the state of Canadian society and where it may be headed.
2. We wish to have an open and meaningful dialogue with those that are receptive to our proposed agenda. The venue has been reserved for the 22nd of June 2022 as previously indicated. We have not disclosed the location to the general public however we do wish to livestream the conversation. Please inform us of any your security concerns and/or put us in contact with your assistants so that we may move forward.
James Topp’s Agenda Items Ottawa Meeting for June 22nd,
AGENDA ITEMS OTTAWA MEETING 22 June 2022 Last update 19.May.2022
Preamble
I have marched from Vancouver to Ottawa to protest COVID vaccine mandates. These government policies deny employment to people who make their own medical decisions. They discriminate and divide society in two. They are based upon a government narrative unsubstantiated by scientific evidence. I wish to inform our elected Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Legislatures, unelected public health officials, and other government agencies of the real and catastrophic consequences that these measures have had on working Canadians.
The 3+1 Rs. I have marched across Canada to petition for the 3+1Rs that are required to heal this country:
1. Repeal
2. Reinstatement
3. Restitution + Repair
Repeal the mandates
● Eliminate COVID vaccination as a job requirement in public and private sectors
● Eliminate the vaccine passport system for entry into public venues
● Eliminate requirements for vaccinations for travel
● Protect our most vulnerable (those over age 60 with multiple comorbidities) but not by shutting down the rest of society
● Ensure the healthcare system can serve the sick and not serve as an excuse for the violation of civil liberties
Reinstate employees
● Reinstate Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Government workers
● Require private sector employers to reinstate private sector workers
● Prohibit lockdowns of citizens and businesses
● Keep schools and daycares open
Restitution for lost income due to COVID vaccine mandates
● Compensate all suspended or dismissed employees for lost wages/income
Repair the divide
● In order to repair the divide that has been created we are reaching across with an open hand without holding grudges, casting judgment or calling into question anybody’s decision.
I marched 15 kilometres with James Topp today. I gained incredible confidence in the strength and the future of our country. ❤??#cdnpoli #onpoli #cpcldr @CanadaMarches pic.twitter.com/uXC5w6ibkn
— Roman Baber (@Roman_Baber) June 16, 2022