MPs agree to call GoFundMe to testify over trucker convoy fundraiser

Fundraising website GoFundMe has been called to testify at the House of Commons Public Safety and National Security Committee about what safeguards it has in place when it comes to releasing the nearly $10.1M of funds raised for the trucker convoy.

MPs on the committee voted unanimously on Thursday afternoon to invite representatives to appear “as soon as possible,” after NDP MP and public safety critic Alistair MacGregor proposed the study during a meeting.

What the elected officials want to hear from the company includes how it plans to ensure that the funds are “not being used to promote extremism, white supremacy, anti-Semitism and other forms of hate, which have been expressed among prominent organizers for the truck convoy currently in Ottawa.”

This includes accounting on the $1 million that has already been released with the intention of being spent to cover fuel, food, and lodging costs for the truckers taking part in what’s become a multi-day demonstration in downtown Ottawa. The organizers have indicated that any leftover funds would go to “a credible Veterans organization which will be chosen by the donors.”

On Wednesday, GoFundMe suspended the “Freedom Convoy” fundraiser halting the ability for any further donations to be made while a compliance review takes place. The fundraising site has been working with organizers for several days to provide a clear plan for how the nearly record-setting amount of funds will be allocated.