QUEBEC — Undaunted by the police shutdown of the anti-health-restriction demonstrations in Ottawa, thousands of protesters hopped into their trucks and other vehicles Saturday and rolled into the provincial capital.
For the second weekend this month, trucks, tractors and semis made their appearance on the streets near the National Assembly despite cold weather and a snowstorm. They were allowed to blow their horns during two blocks of time but not continuously as part of a deal negotiated with police.
Even though one organizer had said they planned to jam up Quebec, they followed the rules, parking their trucks in designated areas. They are all expected to leave by Sunday evening as happened the last time such a protest took place Feb. 5-6.
Police confirmed around noon there had been three arrests, but the mood was festive, with parents pushing baby carriages and colourful mascots offering free hugs. It was better organized than last time with food, drinks and T-shirts on sale. Some trucks carried in portable toilets.
By the end of the day, police said the total number of arrests for the day was four. Two of the arrests were for assault and two for indecent actions. A total of 46 tickets were issued for violations of the municipal code, 40 for violations of the highway code and 13 for parking violations.
The protesters are not satisfied with the Legault government’s schedule to gradually ease all COVID-19 health measures by March 14. They want the government to revoke the health emergency declaration and mask mandates in schools. They also fear Quebec will bring back the vaccination passport if a sixth wave of the virus hits.
Some of the more radical elements of the group want Premier François Legault removed from office.
But the situation in Ottawa was on the minds of many of the protesters who seemed determined to fight on.
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See Also:
(1) Parliament under siege, then and now
(2) Quebec protest: ‘Everyone is full of joy here,’ but truck horns set angry tone
(3) Tyrant Trudeau shows his true colors
(4) Letters to the Editor: ‘This is not the Canada we fought two world wars for’
