What lurked beneath the convoy protests

Plus, why Canada's unvaxxed are more supportive of Putin, an impending recycling disaster and drinking at Eataly [The Star] First Up [By Andrew Joe Potter] By Andrew Joe Potter Good morning. Today is the last day of winter — and you know what that means: a week from now, Toronto will inexplicably get another six inches of snow. Here’s the latest. MUST READS Stephen MacGillivray/The Canadian Press CONVOY PROTESTS [Something much darker was behind the convoy protests]( The “Freedom Convoy” wasn’t just about pandemic-era health mandates: some organizers pushed the idea that a global cabal had weaponized the pandemic to seize control of Canada. As life in Ottawa resumes, Justin Ling traces the movement’s origins back to January 2019. [Here’s what he found lurking under the surface.]( Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star QUEEN’S PARK [Ontario is overhauling recycling — but the changes might be trash]( Under Ontario’s new blue box regime, private corporations will take total responsibility of the cost and management of recycling from cities. The program is set to kick off in Toronto by the summer of 2023, while the rest of Ontario will follow suit by 2026. However, Richard Warnica reports even long-time waste management veterans are struggling to build a workable system off the new model. [Here's why the changes might be a disaster.]( Paige Taylor White/Toronto Star CULTURE [Are corporate-style boards hurting arts groups?]( For many in the theatre community, the backstage implosion of Buddies in Bad Times earlier this year was a symptom of a larger issue in the arts world: the efficacy of corporate-style boards. Most board members are volunteers — predominantly from outside the art world — and wield an outsize influence over staff. Karen Fricker explores [why insiders say the current system is broken and what the path forward could look like.]( Stringer/AFP via Getty Images WAR IN UKRAINE [Unvaccinated Canadians are much more supportive of Russia’s invasion]( New polling data suggests that only two per cent of vaccinated Canadians believe the Russian invasion was justified. However, support is 26 per cent among unvaccinated Canadians. Why? One explanation is that vaccine disinformation sources have shifted their focus to the invasion. [Here's Grant LaFleche with more insight into the correlation between pro-Russia and anti-vax sentiments.]( Torstar File Photo LOCAL POLITICS [Mammoliti — no, not that one — sets his sights on city hall]( Christopher Mammoliti says he’s more “toned down” than his notoriously combative father, former Toronto city councillor Giorgio. The 37-year-old TDSB trustee will contest his dad's old Ward 7 seat in October. He says he wants to improve representation among marginalized residents so they can better participate in government programs. The junior Mammoliti also tells David Rider he’s more centrist than his right-leaning dad, [b]( first, he has to convince constituents to vote Mammoliti again.]( POV Martin Regg Cohn: Doug Ford keeps spending recklessly. [Don’t count on fiscal prudence from the populist premier any time soon. ]( Vinay Menon: Tucker Carlson is [one of the greatest propagandists in Russian history]( even Vladimir Putin knows it. Chantal Hébert: Think the Conservatives would be doomed for defeat under Pierre Poilievre? [Be careful what you wish for.]( Aaniqa Karmali: [Why is Ontario’s government removing COVID precautions for immunocompromised students like me?]( Damien Cox: One move cost Leafs star Auston Matthews $116,000 and a two-game ban. [It also sent the league a warning.]( The Saturday Debate: The CBC collects about $254 million in ad revenue. [Should the public broadcaster be completely ad-free?]( DRINK THIS Courtesy of Eataly Eataly can be tough to navigate for even the most serious pleasure seekers — so best to explore the sprawling citadel with a drink in hand. With a range of Italian restaurants to dine at and more than 700 wine labels to choose from, where to start? Carolyn Evans Hammond suggests [these wine pairings for your next trip.]( Thanks for reading — and sorry that today’s edition is arriving much later than usual. Remember, putting away your shovel before the end of March all but guarantees at least one more snowfall. You can reach the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_113087), and I will see you back here at the usual time tomorrow. [The Star]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [Become a Star Subscriber]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](