Drumming is sacred to all First Nations. [22][410], The Director of the University of Waterloo's Cross Border Institute stated to CBC News that the economic loss from the Ambassador Bridge blockade was between $3 billion and $6 billion. [544], Barry Prentice, transportation economy professor at University of Manitoba, stated that the truckers should be treated differently than flight crews or passenger-train employees, and that the positive aspects of vaccine mandates should be evaluated against the disruptions they would cause to the freight industry. Catherine McKenney has called on Mayor Jim Watson and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action to end the demonstration. Some later relocated to the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre, demanding Lich and King be released. "We cannot allow more of these trucks to go downtown and join the lawlessness that's already happening there," Harden said. [460] On January 31, Trudeau called the protests an "insult to truth",[459] saying that "we are not intimidated by those who hurl abuse at small business workers and steal food from the homeless" and "We won't give in to those who fly racist flags. "[540] On February 17, Musk tweeted a meme comparing Justin Trudeau to Adolf Hitler, using a meme sympathetic to Hitler. [64] Members of Parliament also called on the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Canada's financial intelligence agency, to appear before the committee.

[32][33] For example, Canada Unity's Ontario organizer for the convoy Jason LaFace said that the intent of the Canada Unity protest was to dissolve the federal government. [309], A protester was arrested and charged for allegedly throwing a bicycle and hitting the legs of a horse from the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit at about 5:30. [392], The Royal Canadian Legion distanced itself from the protest, stating in part "The Legion defends these sacred sites of Remembrance, and asserts that they should never be used as a backdrop for any other agenda beyond the act of Remembrance. [569], A Nanos Research poll commissioned by CTV News and released on February 25 found that 51 per cent of Canadians polled thought the protests were ineffective, 15 per cent thought they were somewhat ineffective, 20 per cent thought they were somewhat effective, 12 per cent thought they were effective, and 2 per cent were unsure of the protests' impact. [532], Various trucking companies have tried to distance themselves from the convoys, claiming that the vehicles are owner-operated, despite featuring their logos.

[202] On February 28, a convoy leader from High Prairie, Alberta named Tyson 'Freedom George' Billings was denied bail. [436], By February 13, on Day 17, federal Minister Blair "urged the police to do their jobs, enforce the law and restore order". A London man is facing charges after allegedly exposing himself to two girls at a northwest London shopping complex earlier this month. Also on February 4, Toronto Police started closing roads in the downtown in anticipation of a large protest and told residents to expect a larger police presence during the weekend. As an ex-military person, what really hurts me the most is that it feels like there has been a loss of trust between the people and the police, MacLeod said. [81], In response to the efforts taken to block protestors from accessing funds via GoFundMe and other methods, reports surfaced of Bitcoin being used as an alternative source for fundraising. [427] The border crossing fully re-opened on February 15, after protest participants agreed to leave peacefully. [172], On February 2, organizers of the protest said that they would not leave Ottawa until governments across Canada "end all mandates associated with COVID-19" and will stay "as long as it takes for freedom to be restored". [250], The protesters were completely cleared by February 13 at approximately 8 a.m, although the border was not immediately opened. CTV News reporter Mackenzie Gray reported one car got through the crowd and pushed a counter-protester forward Sunday morning before stopping. [275][276][277][278][279][280], A counter-protest organized by health care workers was planned in Toronto for February 12, but was called off when the provincial government instituted a state of emergency. With much of Canada in the midst of a summer wave of COVID-19, public health officials and physicians have mixed views on how provinces and territories respond from this point on. A security guard went to his aid and was threatened and called racial slurs. Marie, while others diverted to Highway 11 (a northern branch of the TCH) and drove toward Cochrane. More than a week after the convoy rolled into Ottawa, the Trudeau government set up a trilateral table to address the crisis, inviting officials from the local, provincial and federal levels.

[520][517] Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated of the convoy, "It's hitting pay checks and production lines. Councillors described the board as ineffective in oversight, and were critical of the hiring of an interim chief without consultation. [451], On February 4, 2022, Ottawa human rights lawyer Paul Champ filed a $9.8 million class action lawsuit against Chris Barber, Benjamin Ditcher, Tamara Lich, Patrick King and others as organizers of the Freedom Convoy on behalf of downtown Ottawa residents over continuous air horn and train horn noise.

Canada Nickel, a mining company hoping to develop the Crawford deposit between Timmins and Cochrane, says it's identified a new method to capture CO2 emissions. [298] Intelligence reports by the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC), which is part of CSIS, said that some convoy supporters "advocated civil war", had "called for violence against prime minister Justin Trudeau, and said the protest should be 'used as Canada's 'January 6'". [470] O'Toole tweeted "I support their right to be heard, and I call on Justin Trudeau to meet with these hard-working Canadians to hear their concerns". She did not include the cost to those who lived in the neighbourhoods most impacted, who could not leave their homes and in some cases were "unable to sleep or access clean air or, at times, even food." [560], Singer and activist Bill Fries, whose song "Convoy" (recorded under his alias C. W. McCall) was used as a rallying cry for the movement, gave his implicit approval for the use of the song in that manner, and was pleased that the movement had caused an uptick in interest in the song, in the final interview he gave before he died. The stock of small water meters used for new apartment and condominium units is in short supply and one city councillor is concerned it could delay occupancy permits for new developments and possession dates for tenants. Stories that brim with optimism. [127], As of January 26, the OPP estimated approximately 400 vehicles had entered Ontario from the Manitoba border as part of the eastbound convoy. Police arrested two individuals, towed seven vehicles and issued eleven tickets. [304], Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said on February 13, that they are in constant contact with provincial and municipal authorities.

Taxpayers will pay for the $300 a week for those workers who are eligible for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit. "[524][523], After Ottawa was cleared, conservative commentator Candace Owens called for American troops to be sent to Canada "to deal with the tyrannical reign of Justin Trudeau Castro."

'Im scared to get old here': Residents fear for the future of healthcare in eastern Sask. Carol McQueen, a former ambassador to Tunisia and Burkina Faso, said in a tweet that she has lived in many fragile states in which public institutions have no real power or authority and never thought it would be true of Canada. [292] Chief Sloly said that since the scaling down of the demonstration on January 31, the crime prevention teams normally directly providing support in around the core, but who were deployed elsewhere during the height of the protests, have returned to their neighbourhoods. Every day, vehicles and auto parts valued at approximately US$141.1 million flow across the Bridge. [13] As of On the political front, many members of Parliament from the Conservative Party of Canada endorsed the convoy; Republican and conservative politicians and media figures also endorsed the convoy. [293], Patrick McDonell, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons and Director General of Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) warned Members of Parliament about possible doxing attempts to discover the addresses of their residences in the Capital Region. I know because I was there and I experienced it. [175], An emergency debate of the House of Commons was held on the night of February 7, at the request of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. border crossing effectively closed", "Surrey Mounties blocking anti-vaccine mandate truck convoy at U.S. border", "Arrests as RCMP clear protest near Pacific Highway border crossing in B.C. Organizers felt a groundswell of fresh support for the MoU could trigger a new federal election, and investigations into Prime Minister Trudeau. [22], Reuters reported citing IHS Markit's data that the "estimated loss" by February 14 "to the auto industry alone could be as high as $850 million. heat wave: Residents warned to prepare for new stretch of hot summer weather, Former Canuck Jake Virtanen takes the stand at B.C. Residents in the community of Canora are seeing the strain on their healthcare system. [354][367][368][369][370][371] A convoy in Charlottetown attracted hundreds of protesters on February 12, mostly driving personal vehicles and farm equipment. [304] As an estimated 4,000 protesters converged on Parliament Hill on February 12, the extra reinforcements requested by Chief Sloly a week earlier had not yet arrived. Environment and Climate Change Canada said there is a method to the emergency weather alerts. "[78][79] The statement came after Conservative MPs including Mark Strahl made claims that constituents have had their accounts frozen for small donations, such as the purchase of a convoy T-shirt. Its empty, the woman replied, as the elevator door closed. Legislature leave after police issue more than 30 tickets", "Calgary police lay 80 charges in connection with convoy protest", "Vaccine-mandate protest rolls through downtown Charlottetown", "How Canada's 'Freedom Convoy' is inspiring protests in other countries", "Latest updates on Convoy to Canberra protest Millions Against Mandatory Vaccination impact on ACT", "Protests highlight Finnish frustrations at ongoing COVID restrictions", "Freedom Convoy: Nach Ottawa nun Berlin? Claim now up to $306 million", "Ontario court freezes millions in cash, cryptocurrency donated to Ottawa protesters", "Freedom Convoy: Trudeau calls trucker protest an 'insult to truth', "Majority of truckers are vaccinated, Trudeau says, as 'freedom convoy' heads to Ottawa", "Canada Says Trucker Vaccine Mandate Hasn't Dented Border Crossings", "Transport minister says there's 'no sign' vaccine mandate is affecting cross-border truck volume", "Black parliamentarians say protest convoy is a venue for 'white supremacists', "Thousands across Canada join truckers protesting COVID curbs", "Conservative MPs accuse Trudeau of pushing 'vaccine vendetta' as convoy protest heads to Ottawa", "Transport minister concerned trucker convoy becoming a lightning rod for far-right fringe", "Erin O'Toole says he'll meet with representatives from trucker convoy", "Officials decry 'desecration' of monuments during Ottawa protest", "O'Toole resigns as Conservative leader, will stay on as MP", "Conservative MPs cheer on trucker convoy, voice opposition to vaccine mandates", "Conservative MP discusses his support for truckers' protest", "Truck convoy organizer raises over $3.8M; protest draws support and criticism", "COVID-19 vaccine mandates will worsen trucker shortage, affecting consumers, experts say", "Conservative MP Pictured With Ex-WEXIT Campaigner Who Suggested Fighting COVID-19 Restrictions "With Bullets", "I'm proud of the Truckers. "[461], Omar Alghabra, the Minister of Transport, said on January 31, that since January 15 when the truck drivers' vaccine mandate came into effect, the traffic volumes of transport trucks crossing the Canada-US border had not decreased. U.S.-Canada border crossing reopens after six-day blockade by Freedom Convoy protesters, The past couple of weeks have been really intense, Brian Latour, 34, said at the counterprotest on Sunday. Gower is urging residents to contact their MP and MPP to express the urgency of the situation and ask for help to end the occupation. [382][383], On February 23, a group of American truckers began a solidarity protest convoy from California to Washington, D.C. called the "People's Convoy". [309] There were 70 arrests and 21 vehicles were removed by mid-afternoon. [295] PPS prepared for approximately 10,000 protesters; Wellington Street, which is in front of Parliament Hill was closed to most traffic; some lanes had been "designated specifically" for truckers; and others for emergency vehicles. No one is having a problem with all of that at all, the 67-year-old said. [156], A Globe and Mail article entitled "Officials condemn 'desecration' of monuments, hateful signs on display at trucker convoy protest" also described the January 29 protest as having a "party-like atmosphere" with some handing out coffee, cookies, "drinking beer and smoking marijuana". [14] A few vehicles left, most remained, and several incidents of violence against police and civilians were reported, including protesters ramming RCMP vehicles. It is freedom that remains the most natural and powerful Republican rallying cry. [416] In comparison, by February 8, the cost of the truck convoy had already eclipsed the $620,000 in average policing costs for Ottawa's annual Canada Day celebrations. [165], On January 31, Ottawa Paramedics announced that protesters had thrown rocks at an ambulance over the course of the weekend and called paramedics racial slurs. As Waterloo Region District School Board attempts to restore its IT system after what its calling cyber incidents, CTV News has learned the breach is causing some staff and support workers to not get paid. [309], On February 19, police began with a "hard, fast push" towards to the encampment at Parliament Hill. [426] The RCMP began a new operation to clear the blockade, after discovering and seizing a substantial cache of guns and armour on February 14. [41] If this failed, the memorandum called on the "SCGGC" to dissolve the government, and name members of the CU to form a Canadian Citizens Committee, which is beyond the constitutional powers of either the Governor General or the Senate. We want action," Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden said. [454][455], On February 7, Ontario Superior Court of Justice Hugh McLean issued a 10-day injunction on vehicles from honking their horns in downtown Ottawa. Jeff Leiper reported shortly after 4 p.m. that counter-demonstrators were slowly allowing the convoy vehicles to leave the intersection one at a time. They say theyre bringing us freedom when theyre actually taking it, Isla said. [22][411] The demand for vehicles is strong even with prices at record highs, but dealers' lots remain empty. [265] Action 4 Canada appears to have been founded by Tanya Gaw, who actively supported the Yellow Vests protests of 2019. [462][463] On CTV's January 30 Question Period he said that some voices in the crowd of protestors are "really disturbing and unacceptable" and "must be condemned"; this included those carrying signs with swastikas and Confederate flags, and those who called for the overthrow of the government. No More Lockdowns Canada holds anti-lockdown rallies across Ontario. Colleen McMahon, a registered nurse, said she never expected the demonstration to last this long and has grown frustrated by what she characterized as a lax police response. The group's route intends to stop at the National War Memorial and Parliament Hill. There were chants of Go home and Whose streets? [242], On the morning of February 13, joint police forces took control of the area and began to make arrests. [220][221] The blockade, which extended about 2km (1.2mi) into Canada, also blocked public and emergency vehicle access to the village of Coutts, prompting condemnation from the town's mayor. A variety of options were legally possible and some, such as issuing tickets, were employed. [396][397][398], The FINA committee had its first session on the Invocation of the Emergency Act and Related Measures on 22 February 2022, and as of 28 April had elicited testimony from 22 witnesses over seven hearings. [185] By February 12, police had cleared trucks from the bridge,[186] with busloads of police, some with heavy weapons, and an armoured vehicle. According to Politico, white supremacist channels on Telegram also repeatedly shared the link. [232] On the evening of February 7, movement at the bridge came to a complete halt. [308] Ottawa Police reported that several officers and horses had been assaulted by demonstrators while attempting to clear the red zone, and over 100 people had been arrested by the evening of February 18. A man is recovering in hospital tonight after he was shot in what police say was a daytime drive-by in northeast Calgary. [366] According to EPS, the responses varied as they tried to protect public and officer safety, and keep traffic moving. [556], The Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies denounced the use of Nazi symbols by some of the protesters. [56] Various commentators have called the Freedom Convoy an example of Canadian Trumpism. [231], The border crossing was reopened on February 15. [128] The Kingston Police estimated approximately 300 vehicles (17 full tractor-trailers, 104 tractors without trailers, 424 passenger vehicles and six RVs) to go through Kingston. The Halifax Regional Police blocked off access to some roads in downtown Halifax in response to the protest. Weve all protested at one time or another. [191], Mayor Watson sent a letter to Tamara Lich and Keith Wilson to negotiate terms with protesters. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden spoke on February 11 to discuss ending blockades at the border. Benitez added that GoFundMe did not identify any donors to the campaign that were affiliated with terrorist or organized crime groups. [322], Convoy organizers Chris Barber and Tamara Lich were arrested in separate instances, and Lich stated that her personal bank account had been frozen. [316] Prime Minister Trudeau and United States President Joe Biden met virtually to discuss the dissolution of cross-border blockades. [291], Chief Sloly warned offenders that if they had come from elsewhere and committed a crime, including hate crime in Ottawa, there have been "intelligence officers, investigative officers, and multi-jurisdictional support" from across Canada at work in the background. He said that the CAS did not have to step in. [309] As waiting long lines tow trucks, brought in by the police, replaced the heavy rigs that had been grid-locking Ottawa downtown, some of tow truck company names were hidden. But seeing all of these people out, seeing my community out, I feel much more inspired than I did two weeks ago.. [349], Beginning February 10, a blockade closed off the PembinaEmerson Border Crossing in Emerson, Manitoba. A jump in both temperature and humidity has led to humidex values in the Maritimes. LaFace has also posted a photo of himself wearing a Soldiers of Odin jacket. Major auto manufacturers were forced to pause production; "automakers and their suppliers" were having to "scramble to get parts to plants on time" for the current week's run. [252] On February 16, police intercepted a convoy of six or seven trucks 250 kilometres (160mi) away from Windsor heading towards the city after leaving Ottawa. [225], On February 12, due to ongoing protests, the Canada Border Services Agency suspended all travel at the Coutts border crossing. Carol Anne Meehan, a member of the Ottawa Police Services Board, called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to "step up. [309] In at least one case, officers broke the a truck's window to reach its occupant, who refused to exit their vehicle. "[521], On February 11, President Joe Biden met virtually with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the resolution of cross-border blockades. [491] Bernier also attended the January 29 event at Parliament Hill, criticizing Erin O'Toole for not attending. [169], A video circulated showing protesters appropriating First Nations drumming while dancing, drinking beer, and chanting "yabba dabba doo" and "fuck Trudeau". Individual Travelers Entering the United States at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals to be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19", "Why the delta variant is spreading COVID-19 so quickly and what that means for Canada", "COVID-19 vaccine mandates are coming whether Canadians want them or not", "Canadian private long-term care providers announce COVID-19 vaccine mandate for staff", "Vaccine mandates at work: No single solution, experts say", "Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federally regulated transportation employees and travellers", "DHS Releases Details for Fully Vaccinated, Non-Citizen Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land and Ferry Border Crossings", "Government of Canada announces adjustments to Canada's border measures", "Public Health Agency of Canada involved in 'error' on trucker vaccine rules: CP sources", "Business groups urge feds to reverse vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers", "Vaccine passport: Provinces issuing proof for travel", "How to get your Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination", "Alberta premier outright refuses federal suggestion of mandatory COVID-19 vaccines", "Is mandatory COVID-19 vaccination coming to Canada? Several protesters voiced opposition to perceived authoritarianism and corruption by Justin Trudeau, stating they wanted him "out of office", while others said: "This is not an anti-vaccination movement, this is a freedom movement". CBC News reported that a third of the donations were anonymous or used false names for the publicly visible part of the campaign in a futile attempt aimed to prevent Doxxing, and that commenters on the fundraiser claimed to be from the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries. Beginning January 22, hundreds of vehicles formed convoys from several points and traversed Canadian provinces before converging on Ottawa on January 29, 2022, with a rally at Parliament Hill. I know this got put together in a Facebook group for dog walking, cookouts and kid meet-ups, so, look, that should tell the authorities people are fed up. [119] Since January 15, unvaccinated American cross-border truckers have been denied entry into Canada. [326][327] In total, 170 people had been arrested and a few dozen trucks towed. The initial convoy movement was created to protest vaccine mandates for crossing the United States border, but later evolved into a protest about COVID-19 mandates in general. On February 11, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency, introducing new legal sanctions on the impediment of trade routes, highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways. Some protestors, after discussion with police, had peacefully departed with their vehicles. [320][321] OC Transpo transit stations in the downtown were also closed. New data is revealing how much money Toronto residents need to make in order to afford to purchase a home in the city.

[153] The statue was cleaned later by other protesters. Some sources have called the protests an occupation or a siege. "We're all angry, we're all upset," said one person on Riverside Drive. In this pseudolegal document, CU called on the "SCGGC" to cease all vaccine mandates, reemploy all employees terminated due to vaccination status, and rescind all fines imposed for non-compliance with public health orders. [299] The ITAC reports, which were seen by The Guardian, warned in late January that that "extremists" were "likely involved" and the "potential for violence remained real". Are you on Telegram? "[163], During this first weekend of protest in Ottawa, the city's COVID-19 wastewater signal indicated a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, suggesting a possible link between the gathering of protesters and the spread of COVID-19. By the time cases began to decline in late January, an estimated 20 to 25 per cent of Canadians had been infected. [159], The Canadian Trucking Alliance commented on January 29 that many of the supporters at the protest in Ottawa had no direct connection to the trucking industry. [147] These claims were grossly exaggerated. They may face charges later. [110], These new United States Department of Homeland Security regulations, released in October 2021, were regarding cross-border travel between the Canada and the United States and were based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[295], An article in The New York Times described the Ottawa Police Service as "vastly outnumbered", and "unprepared for the sophisticated tactics, discipline and logistical abilities of the protesters". They say residents have faced intimidation and harassment. Union 613 and Happy Goat Coffee were added as plaintiffs. "We got to stop it, we got to stop it before next weekend and we need to hear a plan how thats actually going to take place.". 2022 Police are investigating hundreds of reports of hate crimes and the desecration of monuments.

[482] Bergen, who became interim Conservative leader after Erin O'Toole's ouster, has privately advocated against dispersing protesters,[483][484] and insisted in the House that Trudeau extend an "olive branch". [271], Convoy leader Dave Steenburg has posted material by Soldiers of Odin, a neo-Nazi vigilante group, on his Facebook page; Jason LaFace, an administrator of the Convoy Facebook page, has done the same thing. [361], On January 30, the Government of Nova Scotia made it illegal for people to gather on Highway 104 along the border with New Brunswick in anticipation of protesters blockading the highway. [160][161], On January 30, Ottawa Police launched a criminal investigation into the desecration of the National War Memorial and statue of Terry Fox. ", "The nightmare in downtown Ottawa must end. The Integrated Command Centre was created to help Ottawa Police Services (OPS) coordinate with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and RCMP when the anticipated reinforcements would arrive. [102][103][104]:81 COVID-19-related responses, including those related to vaccinations, like all healthcare in Canada under the Canada Health Act,[105] are the responsibility of provinces and territories who provide free health services in their own jurisdictions. The city announced Sunday evening the meeting will be held on Tuesday. [61], On February 2 GoFundMe flagged the fundraiser for review and paused donations, saying it was investigating to ensure the fundraiser was in compliance with the platform's terms of service. [129][147][148] On his blog, Fox News commentator Sean Hannity reported that the convoy was made up of 10,000 heavy trucks,[149] and Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun reported that the event may set a Guinness World Record for the largest truck convoy on record. ", Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, dismissed the supply chain disruption concerns as unfounded on the basis that most Canadian truckers have been vaccinated. Because the situation is "critical" for Canada with the "closing of our borders, the targeting on critical infrastructure, particularly our points of entry by the people behind these protests", it poses a "significant national security threat" to Canada, and we have to "end it". [523] In a letter to Zuckerberg, Maloney cited that "One Bangladeshi firm was responsible for attracting more than 170,000 members to some of the largest 'Freedom Convoy' organizing groups on Facebook. [72][69] The court order binds "any and all parties with possession or control over these donations". [139], On January 28, a convoy was seen passing through Quebec. [265][266][267][268][146] In December 2021, while talking about COVID-19 public health measures, King said "The only way this is going to be solved is with bullets. Marie", "Truck convoy a 'contributing factor' in fatal Chatham-Kent collision: OPP", "Freedom convoy a factor in fatal crash: OPP", "Truck convoy a 'contributing factor' in fatal crash along Hwy. Alt-right personality Mike Cernovich described Trudeau as a fascist. [256] They also stated that any extremists found would be "removed" from the convoy. [452] The lawsuit is seeking $4.8 million for "private nuisance" and $5 million in punitive damages. Many protesters ignored the agreement. Grand River Hospital says 120 of its staff members are currently off work due to COVID-19, and as a result, they've been forced to close one of their operating rooms and postpone some elective surgeries.