The federal spy agency in a secret memo discounted the Liberal government's claims the Freedom Convoy was infiltrated by Nazis..A lone swastika flag spotted outside Parliament was offensive, but not representative of protesters who considered themselves “patriotic Canadians standing up for their democratic rights,” said the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS.).“The Canadian flag was the most prevalent flag on display in the crowd, likely reflecting participants’ belief they are patriotic Canadians standing up for their democratic rights,” wrote the CSIS..“A small number of flags both purchased and self-created reflected racist and bigoted world views. The presence of these flags, however, is not unique to this event and are often seen at anti-lockdown events across the country.”.“The convoy is part of the broader anti-public health restrictions movement,” said the memo Freedom Convoy 2022: The Imagery And Significance Of Flags. “As with any movement, only a small fringe element supports the use of violence, or might be willing to engage in it.”.According to Blacklock's Reporter, the memo marked “secret” was dated February 2, four days after a lone man carrying a Nazi flag was photographed January 29 among approximately 15,000 Freedom Convoy demonstrators on and around Parliament Hill. The person was never identified. Convoy organizers and surrounding protestors disavowed any connection to the man..The Analytical Brief memo suggested the intelligence service spent some effort compiling social media posts of the convoy. The report included numerous photographs of flag wavers..“Within the crowd were a very small number of flags bearing racist or bigoted imagery,” wrote analysts..“These included the Confederate flag and Nazi flags,” said the memo. “Others included offensive statements directed at the prime minister. These flags can be easily purchased online. The anti-Trudeau flag, for example, is available for sale on Amazon.”.“A small number of individuals displayed handwritten statements or images on their flags in an attempt to focus their message,” the report continued. “Specifically, several added a swastika to their flag, not necessarily to self-identify as Nazis but to imply the prime minister and federal government are acting like Nazis by imposing public health mandates.”.“Aside from individuals who specifically identified themselves as part of the convoy group, the service is unaware of the presence of ideologically-motived extremist groups at this weekend’s protests,” said the memo. “Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected in Canada,” it added..The appearance of the Nazi flag outside Parliament prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to describe Freedom Convoy protesters as swastika wavers. “Conservative Party members can stand with people who wave swastikas,” Trudeau said February 16 in response to questioning from a Jewish MP, Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill, Ont.). “They can stand with people who wave the Confederate flag.”.The incident also prompted Liberal and New Democrat MPs to convene an April 27 hearing of the Commons heritage committee on whether to ban the swastika in Canada..“This cannot continue,” said New Democrat MP Peter Julian (New Westminster-Burnaby, B.C.)..“We have these appalling symbols that are openly displayed even on Parliament Hill.”
