Convoy against compulsory vaccination | Ottawa looks like the day after the party

(OTTAWA) A few tents, sleepers in cars, overflowing hostels and Tim Hortons at full capacity: downtown Ottawa looks like the morning after tomorrow. After the arrival of a first convoy of truckers on Friday, the capital will soon be taken over by thousands of new vehicles.

Lila Dussault
The Press

2,000 vehicles and 5,000 pedestrians are expected in Ottawa for Saturday’s demonstration, according to information from the Ottawa Police Service. Hundreds of people have already spent Friday night in the capital. Friday evening, the city center resounded with the blasts of the horn and the cries of an overexcited crowd. The first convoy from Hamilton had arrived.

Recall that the demonstrators, who oppose the compulsory vaccination of truckers, have been converging on Ottawa for several days, in a movement called “Canada Unity”. Friday evening, the line of trucks parked on three lanes of Wellington Street in front of the parliament was the equivalent of six kilometers long, according to an estimate of the authorities.

The seven other convoys are planned during the day, for a demonstration which should begin around noon, according to information from the demonstrators on the spot. No incidents were reported Friday, said Constable Paramjit Singh, media communications for the Ottawa Police Service.

Security measures around the parliament are still in place. The Ottawa Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Parliamentary Protective Service are working in coordination. In particular, the parliament was barricaded with metal barriers and a perimeter was established around it.

Although the leaders of the various convoys are working with the police to ensure a peaceful and safe demonstration, hateful messages inciting criminal acts have also circulated on social networks in recent days. Ottawa police said they are aware of extremist individuals, locally and internationally, who have joined the movement.

“We are aware of the inappropriate and threatening remarks made on social media in connection with this protest,” Ottawa Police said on Twitter Friday. We welcome peaceful protests. That said, public safety is paramount – there will be consequences for those who engage in criminal acts, violence and activities that promote hatred. »

More details to come.