Prairie Rising Forum hears from ‘Freedom Convoy’ leaders in Regina

A group of individuals in Saskatchewan are coming together to discuss federal and provincial policies in an effort to come up with different approaches.

A gathering focused on discussing Saskatchewan’s future and the effect of federal and provincial policies was held over the weekend in Regina.

Dubbed the “Prairie Rising Forum,” those who attended heard from nearly 20 speakers who shared their perspectives on “complex issues” impacting people in both Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The speakers included various podcast hosts and online personalities. Additionally, “Freedom Convoy” leaders Chris Barber and Tamara Lich appeared via Zoom.

“Our goal today was to bring some talented individuals up on stage and to inform our fellow Saskatchewanians on where they see these things are going, and we can make a decision on what steps to take next,” said Dave Grass, a volunteer for the Prairie Rising Forum.

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According to the forum’s itinerary, the event included roundtable discussions regarding a “path to independence,” “federal overreach,” “AI, media,” and economics.

“It’s just great information. I believe it’s important to educate yourself on what’s going on in our province and in Canada,” said Troy Kleisinger, another member part of the group.

“We need to move forward in a positive way and do what’s good for our province and for our citizens of this province.”

Grass said one of the main issues of concern brought forward were regulations surrounding the natural resource sector.

“With all the red tape policies handed down by the federal government, we can’t move. It’s just to a point where we have to stand up and say, ‘we have to think of something different,’” he said.

“The plan has got to change.”

Organizers say about 250 people attended the day-long event at the Turvey Centre.

A similar forum event was held in Calgary in May.