Home Depot in Niagara Falls became the new home to patriots in a convoy after Canadian Tire blocked its parking lot and threatened to prosecute trespassers on Saturday.
Earlier this month, flyers for protest parties and convoys planned to take place in Canadian Tire parking lots circulated on social media and a few reportedly took place in cities including Oakville and most recently in Niagara Falls.
The retail company took to Twitter to address the alleged events in opposition of the prime minister.
“Canadian Tire and our Associate Dealers do not condone the anti-Trudeau protests happening in some of our store parking lots. Use of our logo, and unauthorized rallies or protests in our stores or parking lots are strictly prohibited,” the retailer tweeted on Wednesday.
“We are taking this matter seriously and doing everything possible to enforce our rights as private property owners including working with local law enforcement to pursue prosecution as appropriate. Our stores are a place of business, and we are taking all the steps within our means to ensure the safety and security of our customers and store staff,” subsequent tweets continued.
Instead, protesters and those looking to have a good time alike diverted to a Home Depot parking lot across the street yesterday evening.
Canadians are taking to social media to share their thoughts on the anti-Trudeau tailgate party and the involvement of the department store.
One tweet says, “Thank you for this. I understand the delay, as my background is Corporate Communications. Getting proper messaging and legal opinion is very important for branding purposes. I’m just sorry that a few noisy people in a parking lot and social media had to bring you to this. Cheers,” in response to the store’s announcement.
A following tweet reads, “You said before the previous “protest” that you wouldn’t let it happen, yet it did, and known white supremacists were on your property waving the red ensign. Your words on the internet mean nothing now. Do better.”
Under a TikTok video explaining convoys and Canadian Tire’s response, one user commented, “Dear CT!!! You have lost me as a customer.”
Another user wishes class action lawsuits could be used against protestors.
“I wish we could start some sort of class action lawsuit against Poilievre for incitement or something. The way he perpetuates the BS they rage over,” the comment reads.
