Justin Trudeau is the Canadian Prime Minister. He and his family left Ottawa, their country home for the moment to go to an unknown location. Approximately 50,000 truckers gathered to demonstrate against Covid lockdowns in Canada and the mandate to get vaccinated.
On Saturday, hundreds of truckers drove huge rigs through Ottawa as part of the self-titled Freedom Convoy. This was in protest at the US vaccine mandates.
He had called truckers heading for the city, days earlier, a small fringe minority. The convoy of hundreds of trucks grew to be 45 miles in length as it traveled to the capital.
The movement received an endorsement Thursday from Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who tweeted, ‘Canadian truckers rule’ and the movement has become a cause celebre for many on the right of politics in the United States.
Truckers flew the Canadian flag and waved banners calling for “Freedom”, chanting slogans about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They were joined by thousands more protestors angered by Covid-19 restrictions as well as wider discontent at the government.
The sound of hundreds upon scores of trucks, with their loud engines revving, made a huge clamor. There are estimates of between 10 and 200.000 truckers.
Families marched peacefully closer to Parliament on a cold, bitterly windy day. Young people sang and the older crowd banged pans under Trudeau’s windows.
Canadian media reported that the Prime Minister and his family were taken out of their homes and to a hidden location in the capital. Much of the anger directed against Trudeau was shown on Canadian television.
Philippe Castonguay was a 31-year old businessman who protested in front of the Parliament building.
For his seven-hour drive from Quebec, he felt the need to express his emotions: “The vaccine requirements are leading us towards a new society that we have never voted for,” said he.
Trudeau stated Friday that truckers’ opinions, which he called anti-science and anti-government views, posed a danger not only for themselves but also to Canadians.
At this time, 82% of Canadians over five have had their Covid-19 vaccinations. Adults are at 90 percent.
Canadian Trucking Alliance is a large industry group that stated the overwhelming majority of country’s truck drivers have been vaccinated. The gathering at Ottawa has been strongly disapproved of by the Canadian Trucking Alliance.
The protest originated last week in western Canada, where dozens of truckers organized a convoy to drive from Vancouver to Ottawa to demonstrate against Covid-related restrictions, particularly a vaccination requirement for truck drivers.
As part of an untitled Freedom Convoy, hundreds of truckers marched their massive rigs to Ottawa in support of vaccine mandates.
Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister of Canada, and his family left Ottawa to go to secret locations. Approximately 50,000 truckers gathered to protest the Covid lockdowns and the vaccine mandate.
A few days earlier, he called those truckers who were heading to the city “small fringe minorities”. The convoy that included hundreds of vehicles reached 45 miles as it headed to Washington.
Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, tweeted his support for the cause Thursday. The tweet read, “Canadian truckers are the rule” and has been deemed a causse celebre by many right-leaning Americans.
Truckers flew the Canadian flag and waved banners calling for “Freedom”, chanting slogans about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They were joined by thousands more protestors angered by Covid-19 restrictions as well as general discontent at the government
It was a loud hum as many trucks with big engines, who rumbled and honked their horns, made a great sound. There are estimates of between 10 and 200.000 truckers.
Families marched calmly closer to Parliament on a bitterly cold morning, as young protestors chanted, and the older crowd banged pans and pots against Trudeau’s office windows.
Canadian media claimed that Trudeau and the prime minister were taken from their residence and to an unknown location.
Trudeau (pictured), said that trucker’s views, which he called anti-science and anti-government views, pose a danger not only for themselves but also to Canadians.
The United States and Canada imposed this requirement mid-January. It affected drivers crossing the 5,500-mile (9,900-kilometer) border, which is the longest in the world.
This movement gained speed quickly as other cross-country convoys joined them on their way to the federal capital.
The heart of Ottawa was their rallying point, Parliament Hill.
The police stated that they expected eight convoys with several thousand vehicles and maybe 10,000 demonstrators.
Stephen Penderness is a trucker aged 28 from Ontario. He said he was protesting on behalf of all Canadians.
He said, “It is actually for everyone… every person on the road.” It is all about your freedom.
Louise from Quebec, who was there to help the truckers and declined to identify herself as Louise, said she agreed. We shouldn’t have to be forced into getting vaccinated regardless of what vaccine is available.
She claimed that vaccination passports are “intrusions in personal lives.”
Because of fears that the protest might turn violent, there was an increased police presence at the federal capital.
Peter Sloly of Ottawa was the chief police officer and described the situation to be “uniquely fluid, risky, significant”
He said to reporters that he was ready to conduct an investigation, arrest anyone who is violent or violates the law, and if needed, bring them before a judge.
He advised residents not to cross the road.
The Parliament’s perimeter was shut down for the weekend.
Police stated that they were concerned about some demonstrators staying beyond Saturday’s protest and driving traffic even more.
Trudeau, currently isolated after an exposure to Covid, defended Wednesday’s vaccination mandate. He noted that 90 percent are already vaccinated.
He described the truckers who were heading to the city as a “small fringe majority” that does not reflect the majority of Canadians.
Trudeau’s office has not commented on the Prime Minister’s location According to CBC News, the Sergeant at-Arms of the Canadian Parliament has advised that protestors could make their way into the residences of Canadian officials. This is for security reasons.
According to the Ottawa Citizen, Trudeau’s office informed the Ottawa Citizen that he was still working remotely and was unable to be ‘isolated in the National Capital Region’.
Ottawa Police confirmed that the rally was safe despite security concerns. tweet.
Their trucks were left parked right in front the Parliament buildings. Some protestors carried copies of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Other signs read: “God preserve our land, make Canada great again,” and “we are here to protect our freedom.” Toronto Sun reported.
Ottawa Police arrived on the scene to warn truckers that vehicles that block emergency lanes and other areas that are essential for safety purposes would be towed.
The officers were expected to stay downtown until the crowds recede, however, hundreds of vehicles from Western Canada and Quebec are likely to arrive within the hour, according to the Toronto Sun.
Since January 15, all Canadian truck drivers who are unvaccinated must take a COVID-19 test and quarantine when driving back from the United States.
They are not allowed into the U.S. unless they are vaccinated, and American drivers are not allowed into Canada unless they show their certificate.
Sat. morning protestors marched down the streets before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Office waving the Canadian flag to protest the U.S. vaccine mandate for Canadian truckers who cross the border.
Trucks are seen parked near Ottowa’s Parliament Buildings as supporters and truckers take part in a protest convoy against vaccine mandates.
As part of an untitled “Freedom Convoy”, hundreds of truckers drove massive trucks into Ottawa, Canada on Saturday to protest US vaccination mandates.
On Saturday, a man carried the Confederate flag of the United States with him in a semi-truck as he protested Covid-19 mandates and other restrictions.
During the Saturday protest in Ottawa against mandatory vaccinations for truck drivers crossing borders, a sign reading “United Against Tyranny” was carried by a participant.
Protestor carrying a piece of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He dismissed the demonstration from truckers as disgruntled, noting that nearly 90 percent of Canada is immunized.
Protestors for the Freedom Convoy protested at Parliament in Ottawa, Saturday. One protestor proudly wave a ‘F**k Trudeau’ flag
An anti-Covid-19 vaccination protestor joins thousands of Canadian truckers in wearing a Freedom Convoy hat while protesting the Freedom Convoy march before Parliament.
Saturday morning protestors marched along the streets of Ottawa in front of Justin Trudeau’s Office waving flags, including one that was Canadian with the words ‘Liberte.
American drivers who are returning from the U.S. do not have to undergo a quarantine and test.
Justin Trudeau (Canadian prime minister) dismissed truckers’ protest as an expression of discontent. He pointed out that almost 90% of Canadians are vaccinated.
However, truckers belonging to the so-called Freedom Convoy are upset at his mandate. They plan on taking advantage of this weekend’s rally to demonstrate their support for the Canadian capital.
Tom Pappin (53), a man who came just outside Ottawa, was present at the protest.
He said, “I can freely travel through the border and not have any contact with anyone.” But I am locked inside my country,’ he stated. I can’t take a vacation. I’m not allowed to go out for dinner or bowling. I won’t be able to go to a movie. It’s something that has gotten out of hand.
Pappin stated to the Toronto Sun, that until mandates for vaccines are removed from Canada’s Parliament building, attendees will likely park there.
Others were less optimistic about the outcome of their protest.
Phil Powers (a truck driver from Oshawa Ontario) said, “It’s nice to think, but it’s not likely anything will happen immediately,” according to the Toronto Sun.
Powers said that this was the Canadian forum to hold the debate. He parked his truck at Wellington Street’s Parliament Hill for the weekend.
They were joined by others protesters from the north and east who arrived in British Columbia Sunday.
A large contingent of truckers, including some from the US who have not been immunized and are therefore only permitted to enter Canada by their employers, has also been joined.
Elon Musk tweeted his praises for truckers and said: “If you scare enough people, they will demand the removal of their freedom. This is the way to tyranny.
He tweeted previously that Canadian truckers were the rule.
The Tesla CEO stated that in September 2020, he and his family wouldn’t be getting immunized because they were not at high risk.
The mandate could result in the removal of up to 32,000 or 20% of 160,000 cross-border truck driver from Canada and America, according to estimates by the Canadian Trucking Alliance.
Canadians have gathered along the TransCanada Highway 20 cheering on the convoy of approximately 50,000 truckers that is heading towards Ottawa in protest of the mandatory covid vaccine for US border crossing drivers.
On Sunday, the convoy arrived in British Columbia. They were cheered by their supporters in Levis (Quebec) on January 28.
In protest against vaccine mandates which prohibit truckers crossing Canada’s border with no proof of vaccination, 50,000 trucks are marching 45 miles long.
Canadians cheer truck drivers in Kingston, Ontario from a bridge. One pickup truck pulls a trailer bearing a sign that reads: Freedom doesn’t need permission
The driver pulls up his truck and a sign reading “Oh Canada we stand for freedom” is placed on the front. This was ready for the Friday convoy to Kingston, Ontario.
In protest against vaccine mandates which would prevent truckers crossing the US-Canadian border, 50,000 truckers made their way through Canada on a 45-mile long convoy.
Canadians support the Freedom Convoy by assembling on a bridge above Highway 400 in Vaughan.
On Friday, pick-up trucks equipped with Canadian flags will be ready to join the Kingston convoy.
Truckers left from British Columbia on Sunday and will be met in the nation’s capital on Saturday by other protesters driving from the east and the south of the country. Truckers from the United States have joined the convoy
According to the Toronto Sun, up to 50,000 trucks may be involved – this convoy might surpass the current record of 10 miles if it reaches its destination.
Benjamin Dichter, spokesperson for Freedom Convoy 20,22 told the Toronto Sun, “It’s about 70 kilometers long.” I have witnessed footage from an airplane. It’s impressive’
Freedom Convoy’s organizers demand that vaccine passports be canceled and the federal government recognize the rights to the non-vaccinated.
In large numbers, Hutterites have been there to greet truckers and give them food.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured) has characterized the protesters as a ‘small fringe minority who are on the way to Ottawa who are holding unacceptable views’
The convoy is gaining momentum as it travels along the snow-filled TransCanada Highway.
The Guinness Book of World Records stated that the five-mile long longest known convoy consisted of only 480 trucks and was held in Egypt in 2020.
The Freedom Convoy organizers have outlined a series of demands. They demand that vaccine passports be canceled and that the federal government respects the rights of those who are not vaccinated.
Trudeau resisted their requests.
According to him, “What some of these people are saying is totally unacceptable”.
“We believe that the only way to beat this pandemic is for everyone to get vaccinated.
“The vast majority of Canadians have done this, almost 90 percent.
Supporters of the convoy are not happy with this statement. One driver stated that the number of trucks and people who showed up at the site was a sign of frustrations among Canadians. It’s likely to increase.
Global News spoke to Trevor about his frustration with the impositions of the Canadian government. He declined to identify himself but stated that many people try to claim these things are done because of anger.
‘A lot of people are trying to say that these type of things are done out of anger, but this is actually being done out of frustration towards the things the government is imposing upon Canadian citizens,’ a man named Trevor told Global News when the convoy passed through the Balgonie area, declining to give his surname
On Sunday, the Freedom Convoy traveled from Vancouver to Ottawa in protest. On January 29, they will hold a demonstration in Ottawa.
Since its launch on January 14th, a GoFundMe campaign has raised $6,365,000.040 for the protest. Organizers claim that this money will be used to fuel, shelter, and food for the truckers.
Canadian authorities have removed truckers from exemptions to vaccine mandate. Canadian truck drivers now need to get all vaccinations in order to avoid two weeks quarantine, pre-arrival molecular tests for COVID-19 and cross-border crossings.
Drivers of foreign truck trucks who have not been vaccinated and are not entitled to re-enter the United States will be stopped at the border.
American truckers must now show proof of immunization to be allowed into the United States.
Canadian Trucking Alliance disapproved of the protest, and stated that more than 85 per cent of truckers have been vaccinated.
Truckers also shared on social media that they are still doing their job and the convoy doesn’t speak for them.
Canada is home to some of the strictest COVID-19 protocols in the world.
Ontario’s restaurants, cinemas, and gyms will be closed early in the month. They will reopen at February 1st.
Last year federal employees were required to receive vaccinations. In Quebec, the premier announced plans to punish residents without the vaccine.
Elon Musk posted the following tweet on Thursday night: “If you scare enough people, they will demand that freedom be removed.” This is the way to tyranny.
Also, he tweeted Thursday praises for the protesters and stated that Canadian truckers “rule”.
Musk said in September 2020 that his family and he would not get vaccinated as they were not at risk. He also stated that he had likely contracted the virus from November.
On Sunday, the Freedom Convoy traveled from Vancouver to Ottawa in protest. On January 29, they will hold a demonstration in Ottawa.
Canada’s COVID-19 protocol is one of the most stringent in the world. Ontario’s restaurants, cinemas, and gyms will be closed early in the month and reopened at February 1st.