The Freedom Convoy demonstration is into its third weekend of protests in Ottawa. A number of roads and businesses remain closed as the demonstration enters its 17th day in the nation’s capital as demonstrators continue to protest against COVID-19 mandates and public health orders. Videos and photos posted to social media Saturday showed protestors removing the security fences that were set up around the National War Memorial last week as people were seen dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the first weekend of protests.
Ottawa Police say they have created a new enhanced “Integrated Command Centre” with officers from the RCMP and the Ontario Provincial Police to respond to great number of protestors in Ottawa’s downtown. Ottawa Police add the new ICC will allow them to make the most effective use of their additional police resources. The police service says they struggled with enforcement Saturday as more than four thousand protestors engaged in “aggressive and illegal behaviour.”
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office last night (sat) says Justin Trudeau called a meeting of the Incident Response Group yesterday (sat) where the PM and other Ministers were briefed by police on their efforts to shut down border blockades in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. Ministers and other officials also provided details to the Prime Minister on their efforts in reaching out to industry officials along with those at airports, ports and railroad officials to ensure they have the means to protect themselves against disruptions and any future blockades. The statement from the PMO once again emphasized the urgent need for protestors taking part in the demonstrations and blockades to return home peacefully and that consequences for breaking the law will be increasingly severe. The response group is said to meet again Sunday where they will discuss the potential for further actions to dismantle the protests happening across the country.
In Windsor, Ontario at the Ambassador Bridge blockade, police say they’ve arrested a 27 year-old man. In a tweet, police say the man committed a criminal offence in relation to the demonstration. Yesterday (sat) morning, police started advancing towards those blocking the bridge, forcing demonstrators further away from the foot of the bridge. Hundreds more protestors continued to join the blockade throughout the day, halting police from advancing any further. A police presence continues Sunday at the Ambassador Bridge with Windsor Police saying on Twitter that they’ve made arrests and vehicles are being towed.
In Coutts, Alberta where a convoy has been parked at the border crossing in that community for the majority of the last two weeks continues. The Canada Border Services Agency says services at that location have been temporarily shut down. The blockade has restricted traffic from crossing the international border. The blockade in Emerson, Manitoba also continues with police saying in a news release that very little has changed. Approximately 50 vehicles are said to be taking part in that blockade. As of Saturday, no tickets or arrests have been made.
In our home province, a convoy made its way from Regina to the Regway border crossing on Highway 6. Media reports say the convoy picked up more supporters along the way, growing to more than 60 vehicles. The RCMP was present to control traffic, blocking the convoy prior to the border, letting them continue in groups of 10. Protestors allegedly didn’t block the highway and were parked in a field next to the road.
(Photo from Twitter)
