TORONTO – From Ottawa to Vancouver, passing through Toronto Quebec City, Regina, Fredericton. There is no end in sight to the protests organized by the so-called “Freedom Convoy” against the vaccination obligation. But patience, in the capital, is now running out. Police Chief Peter Sloly has decided that the time has come for his officers to go “on the offensive” to end this situation. “I worked continuously 18 hours a day to be able to get the necessary resources – said Sloly – now we can go on the offensive”.
What began as a protest against Ottawa’s vaccination obligation on truck drivers has turned into an opposition to all public health measures, including mask use and vaccination.
Ottawa is so far the city most affected by the invasion of truck drivers that took place 11 days ago to the point that Mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency. “We need the support of other jurisdictions and levels of government – the mayor had complained in recent days – honking horns and sirens and with fireworks have transformed the demonstration into a party. We are outnumbered and we are losing this battle.”
The Ottawa police chief did not hide his satisfaction with the closure of the GoFundMe page through which the Freedom Convoy raised over 10 million dollars. “The police will ‘aggressively’ pursue any ‘other avenue of funding’ for the demonstration,” Sloly said – we will be relentless in pursuing the funding that has allowed this demonstration to go on to this point.”
Already on Sunday evening dozens of armed police officers descended into the parking lot of the baseball stadium that served as a rest area for protesters in the city center: vehicles and at least one tank that contained at least 3,500 liters of fuel were removed. “Shame, shame,” “You’re on the wrong side of history” and “It won’t end well,” protesters shouted at officers. Ten of them have been arrested and about 450 are the fines imposed since the beginning of the protest.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising and yesterday Ontario Superior Court Judge Hugh McLean granted a 10-day injunction to prevent truck drivers parked on city streets in downtown Ottawa from honking incessantly.
Ottawa police declined to provide any information regarding alleged threats of death, rape or assaults by members of the convoy to residents of the city.
Today, Liberal MPs criticized the recent actions of protesters during a press conference. “From what we see and people’s stories, this is very far from being a peaceful protest,” said Mona Fortier, MP from the Ottawa area.
Ottawa Center Rep. Yasir Naqvi said “there are no words” to accurately describe “the agony” of what his community is experiencing. “For residents of downtown Ottawa, this continues to be a horrible experience,” he said.
And while NDP leader Jagmeet Singh criticized Trudeau for the lack of leadership, saying he “must be present” to address the protest, the prime minister reiterated that he had no intention of meeting a “marginal minority” that has “unacceptable views.”
Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca attacked Prime Minister Ford who, in his opinion, should give a “strong provincial response to quickly end the occupation of Ottawa. If I were the prime minister to those who harass Ottawa residents I would say ‘go away immediately or you will be requisitioned the truck'”.
Meanwhile in Toronto, where it is estimated that about 2,000 protesters gathered in downtown on Saturday, police continue to be present in the streets around Queen’s Park to be able to intervene if necessary.
