Despite the extreme cold, the convoy created by truckers and other citizens rolled into Ottawa on Friday and Saturday for a culmination of their protest at Parliament Hill.
Ontario January 29, 2022 (Photo captured by the Hill Cam via the Government of Canada)
The convoy began as a protest against the vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers and evolved into a protest against all COVID-19 vaccine mandates and public health restrictions.
By 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the City of Ottawa closed the streets downtown due to the protestors.
Streets in the downtown core are closed due to gridlock. There is no more room for vehicles, other than first responders. Please avoid the area. #OttTraffic #Ottawa
— Ottawa_Traffic (@Ottawa_Traffic) January 29, 2022
And while the protest has remained peaceful, there have been some acts carried out that many Canadians view as unpatriotic.
Confederate flags, political signs, and Canadian flags marked with swastikas have been denounced by many, though they have been seen all along the convoy’s route.
I’m the Mayor of Terry Fox’s hometown. He’s our city’s hero, national inspiration and an unifier. Whatever your cause, you don’t get to appropriate his legacy and you don’t touch his statue. Ever. This should be removed immediately. @ottawacity @JimWatsonOttawa https://t.co/Souo0BodaJ
— Brad West (@BradWestPoCo) January 29, 2022
Ottawa Police have confirmed cars parked on the grounds of the national Cenotaph have been removed. Parking on this sacred ground that includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a sign of complete disrespect.
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) January 29, 2022
Ottawa’s Mayor, Jim Watson, had to remove vehicles parked on the Cenotaph and have city workers remove vandalism from the statue of Terry Fox.
In a recent statement, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) wanted to remind the public that many of the protestors “have no connection to the trucking industry and have a separate agenda beyond a disagreement over cross border vaccine requirements.”
It also urged truckers who are involved in the protest to remain peaceful.
“Please remember this important responsibility you bear today in delivering your message responsibly but also the impact your actions will have on the image of the majority of your colleagues from coast-to-coast who do not share your opinion but share your passion for the industry and country,” the statement read.
The CTA also asked that following Saturday’s demonstration truckers “leave the City of Ottawa to avoid any issues to the welfare and safety of the citizens of Ottawa.”
The CTA voiced its disapproval of the convoy from the beginning of the protest.
