Crowds of demonstrators join rallies across Canada as Covid-19 trucker protests spread
(CNN)From the western province of Alberta, moving east to Quebec City, and in cities and towns in between, thousands of Canadians have hit the streets in trucks, tractors, cars and on foot to protest the nation's Covid-19 restrictions.
With persistent and noisy horn honking, protesters are demanding governments at all levels lift their health restrictions, including vaccine and mask mandates, lockdowns and restrictions on businesses and gatherings.
"The whole event has gone beyond just vaccines and it is now about the entire ordeal," protester James MacDonald told CNN, adding he's been in Ottawa since last weekend and has no intention of leaving until health measures are dropped.
Trucks and supporters travel down Bloor Street during a demonstration in support of a trucker convoy in Ottawa on Saturday, February 5, 2022.
The "Freedom Convoy" was initially
started by truckers protesting a
recent mandate requiring drivers entering Canada to be fully vaccinated or face testing and quarantine requirements.
But others have joined the cause. Demonstrators reached Ottawa, Canada's capital, last weekend, and its organizers said the protests will linger there and elsewhere if necessary.
Ottawa's police chief called it a "
nationwide insurrection driven by madness," claiming his city was under siege and
would need more reinforcements beyond those it
had already received from other police forces.
We do not have sufficient resources to adequately and effectively address this situation while adequately, effectively providing policing in this city, Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly warned during a police services meeting Saturday.
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LOL Suck it Chief
