Unveiling the Secret Signal Group Linking Right-Wing Candidates to Freedom Convoy Coordinators

A shocking revelation has emerged regarding a prominent Conservative candidate affiliated with Pierre Poilievre: they were part of a clandestine group chat used by the leaders of the Freedom Convoy and their legal representatives to orchestrate media messaging alongside right-wing influencers and alternative media figures.

The chat, hosted on Signal—a secure messaging platform—goes by the name “Canada Freedom Rights Movement” and comprises more than 50 individuals closely tied to the Freedom Convoy and far-right movements within Canada. Initially formed around the time of the Emergencies Act Inquiry, reports suggest that the group remains active to this day, continuing its mission to shape public narratives.

Documents obtained by PressProgress point to the group's strategic goals, aiming to ensure the convoy's message resonates across social media through "alt media/influencers." A revealing 88-page messaging guide, shared with group members by lawyers from the right-wing Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, underscored the importance of language in combating negative portrayals of the convoy.

The group’s description characterized it as "clandestine," with new members reminded of the necessity for secrecy, referencing the well-known phrase, "remember the first rule of Fight Club." Leading the group are admins Eva Chipiuk, who previously represented convoy activists, and Bethan Nodwell, whose connections to extremist groups have raised concerns about her affiliations.

The group includes notable Freedom Convoy figures such as Tamara Lich, Chris Barber, and Tom Marazzo, alongside various right-wing influencers from platforms like True North and Rebel Media. Among them is Andrew Lawton, a Conservative candidate for Elgin–St. Thomas–London South, who boasts a controversial history connected to extreme statements on sensitive issues.

As an active participant in the secret chat, Lawton reportedly used information exchanged within the group to bolster his social media presence during critical moments of the Emergencies Act Inquiry, directly tying his online activity to conversations within the chat.

In one instance, Lawton confirmed his commitment to disseminating convoy-aligned content when he promptly tweeted a video following a request from Chipiuk. This raised questions about the ethical implications of his involvement, as neither Lawton nor the Conservative Party provided comments regarding these activities.

Members who confirmed their participation in the group chat noted its usefulness for sharing information and organizing responses to anti-convoy narratives. However, some, like journalist Rupa Subramanya, eventually left the chat due to its perceived ineffectiveness. Reports suggest that the group also engaged in derogatory comments towards Ottawa residents who opposed the convoy, with Chipiuk spreading conspiratorial notions about certain local activists.

Evan Balgord from the Canadian Anti-Hate Network criticized the group’s composition, which is rife with figures known for extremist beliefs and propaganda. Concerns about the legality of communication among members were also noted, particularly regarding Lich and Barber, who were legally barred from contacting each other yet remained present within the chat.

On Thursday, both Lich and Barber faced criminal charges related to their roles in the 2022 Ottawa occupation, with discussions of potential legal repercussions regarding their group chat involvement gaining traction among legal experts.

In this evolving political landscape, the interplay between far-right movements, conservative candidates, and social media dynamics raises pressing concerns about misinformation and extremism infiltrating mainstream politics. As more details continue to surface, the ramifications could significantly influence public trust and political accountability in Canada.