This thread went viral, including from mainstream politicians and journalists. The man arrested by the OPS confirmed that the fire had absolutely nothing to do with the protesters, that the author had made it all up.
However, that didn't stop politicians and the media from exaggerating it, including members of this committee. In fact, former mayor Watson jumped on the bandwagon, claiming that this event “clearly demonstrates the malicious intent” of the truckers' convoy. Journalists called it “bone-chilling” and “horrifying”. The NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, and MP Charlie Angus cited the story as proof that the protester wanted to “overthrow the government”. CBC Radio invited the author of the hoax on its radio program. Former minister—