Trucker convoy protest: 'I have never seen such a display of hate,' Canadians say as demonstrators crowd Ottawa for third day
Ottawa is still filled with demonstrators and trucks blocking downtown streets as the protest, initially aimed against COVID-19 public health measures, continues for its third day.
On Sunday, Ottawa Police Service confirmed policing costs alone are estimated to be $800,000 a day.
"Police are aware that many demonstrators have announced their intention to stay in place," a statement from Ottawa police reads. "This will continue to cause major traffic, noise and safety issues in the downtown core. We urge all residents to avoid travel to the core."
"Police have avoided ticketing and towing vehicle so as not to instigate confrontations with demonstrators. Still, confrontations and the need for de-escalation has regularly been required."
A number of schools, businesses in downtown Ottawa, including the city's Rideau Centre mall, and vaccine clinics have closed.
Several criminal investigations are underway in relation to the desecration of the National War Memorial/Terry Fox statue, threatening/illegal/intimidating behaviour to police/city workers and other individuals and damage to a city vehicle. 1/2
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 30, 2022
Police also stated Sunday that investigations are underway, looking into the desecration of the National War Memorial and the Terry Fox statue.
Friends, it's been a difficult 24 hours. Staff harassed for meals. A service user and security guard assaulted. Through it all, you have donated and filled our hearts with gratitude. Every cent will support people experiencing homelessness. Thank you. See our statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TYHD8r8aLo
— Shepherds of Good Hope (@sghottawa) January 30, 2022
A local homeless shelter, Shepherds of Good Hope, shared that staff and volunteers were harassed and assaulted by demonstrators who were demanding food.
"While we are not certain of exact numbers, the demands for meals and verbal altercations continued for several hours over the dinner period," a statement from Shepherds of Good Hope reads.
"One member of our shelter community was assaulted by protestors. A security guard went to his aid and was threatened and called racial slurs."
Several Canadians have taken to social media to condemn the actions of these demonstrators.
Not an activist? Easy to fall for some of the nonsense circulating about how organizers can't control who joins a protest.
Let me be clear : I've been attending & organizing protests for 20yrs. NOT ONCE have I thought Nazis would join my side of the barricade. They never have.— Julie S. Lalonde (@JulieSLalonde) January 30, 2022
I’m Jewish and I didn’t love having to explain to my 10-year old son why there are swastikas and confederate flags driving around our neighborhood.
That’s just me, I guess. https://t.co/Y1Es0aMqVI— Rob Silver (@RobSilver) January 31, 2022
I have worked on Parliament Hill for 12 of the last 21 years. I have seen many protests, even participated in some.
I have never seen a swastika there. I have never seen such a display of hate. Until today.— Jen Pedersen (@jenpeders) January 29, 2022
My personal experience today having to drive home from Quebec. Disgusting. My kids were in shock. This is not my Canada. #FluTrucksClan #Canada #ottawa #TruckersGoHome pic.twitter.com/PyIZfvkh5h
— Heather Young (@heathyoung) January 31, 2022
Some Canadians have questioned when police will take stronger actions.
So let me get this straight: Ottawa Police wasted no time removing unhoused people living in encampments with nowhere else to go but won't remove "freedom" protestors who pee on war memorials, steal food from the unhoused, carry Nazi flags & cause businesses/schools to be closed?
— Naheed Dosani (@NaheedD) January 31, 2022
Looks like you’ve noticed that there is a difference in the way Ottawa Police handled recent demonstrations versus the Police violence we’ve seen on the unhoused, racialized or indigenous.
What if I told you policing is acting exactly the way it is designed to?— Gaibrie Stephen (@SGaibrie) January 31, 2022
Anyway, anyone I know who lives downtown feels totally abandoned by all levels of government and the Ottawa Police. It is shocking, actually. We deserve better. #ottcity #SomersetWard
— ArielTroster (she/her) (@ArielTroster) January 30, 2022
Welcome to Canada’s capital: #Ottawa The police are managing this by recommending we stay at home. We’re perplexed because these people get the run of our city and we hide. @OttawaPolice https://t.co/W6L4mcWBn6
— Mary Fernando MD (@MaryFernando_) January 31, 2022