Canadian police getting tough as trucker protests continue

Transport trucks and tractors block traffic in front of Manitoba Legislative Building as truckers and their supporters continue to protest Covid-19) vaccine mandates (Reuters). 

OTTAWA REUTERS FEB 7 - As the protest against the Canadian government’s health measures and vaccine mandates entered an eleventh day on Monday, police have threatened to clamp down after facing criticism for lack of action that has crippled the national capital.

The “Freedom Convoy” consisting largely of truckers began as a movement against a Canadian vaccine requirement for cross-border drivers. But it has since evolved into a rallying point against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s strict measures to fight the pandemic.

Downtown Ottawa, home to Canada’s parliament, central bank, and buildings including Trudeau’s office, has been largely in lockdown after truckers occupied the streets. Late night honking and occasional fireworks have disrupted the normally quiet life of residents in the city.

A hearing into a proposed class-action lawsuit seeking an injunction to silence the constant honking by truckers will take place on Monday.

On Sunday night, police began removing gas and fuel supplies at a logistics encampment set up by protesters, after the city’s mayor declared a state of emergency on Sunday.

The Canadian government has refused to back down on the issue. Trudeau, who is isolating after testing positive for COVID- 19, has ruled out using the military to disband the protest. Over the weekend, protests spilled over into other large Canadian cities, including the financial capital Toronto, and were met with counter demonstrations. The protests, including in Ottawa, have been largely peaceful.