Canada convoy: Truckers ban media as Trudeau refuses meeting and calls protest an ‘insult to truth’

Canadian truckers convoy protest continues

Ottawa mayor condemns desecration of National War Memorial, Terry Fox statue

As the truckers’ convoy that descended on Ottawa a few days ago shows no sign of departing, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he has tested positive for Covid-19.

“This morning, I tested positive for Covid-19,” he tweeted. “I’m feeling fine – and I’ll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines. Everyone, please get vaccinated and get boosted.”

On Monday, in an address to the nation, Mr Trudeau said Canadians were disgusted by the behaviour of some of the protesters.

“We are not intimidated by those who hurl abuse at small business workers and steal food from the homeless,” he said. “We won’t give in to those who fly racist flags. We won’t cave to those who engage in vandalism.”

Ottawa police say the number of protestors and vehicles has significantly reduced in the past 12 hours and there have been no deaths or injuries reported.

They have launched multiple investigations into the ‘desecration’ of monuments by the Freedom Convoy protesters, of hate crimes, and of other illegal behaviour. A hotline is being set up for residents to report any incidents to the authorities.

Key Points

• Protesters say they are not leaving Ottawa
• Ottawa major says residents feel like ‘prisoners’ in own city
• Ottawa Police launch investigations into Convoy ‘desecration’ and ‘illegal’ behaviour
• Trudeau blasts ‘fringe minority’ behind trucking convoy

[31 January 2022 23:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Trudeau accuses Canada truckers of ‘hate, abuse and racism’

Canadian Prime Minister blasted a convoy of truckers protesting vaccine mandates as showing “disrespect to science” and championing “hate, abuse and racism” hours after announcing he had tested positive for Covid-19.

Mr Trudeau delivered fiery remarks at a virtual press conference on Monday afternoon after he was evacuated to a safe location over the weekend as thousands of truckers descended on Ottawa to block roadways.

Police have said most demonstrators have been peaceful but local residents complain they are fed up with the non-stop blaring of truck horns and demonstrators using the streets as an open-air toilet. Some also forced a homeless shelter to give them food - the shelter said on Twitter - while others flew Nazi flags.

[1 February 2022 00:20 · Oliver O'Connell]

ICYMI: Trudeau and family move to secret location

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family have left their home in Ottawa for a secret location, the CBC reports, amid security concerns as thousands pour into the Canadian capital on Saturday in trucker convoys to protest vaccine mandates.

The PM’s office has said it will not comment on Mr Trudeau’s location for security reasons.

[1 February 2022 00:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Canadian police investigate monument ‘desecration’ and ‘illegal’ behaviour

Canadian police have launched investigations into the “desecration” of monuments by the Freedom Convoy protesters and ‘illegal’ behaviour by demonstrators.

Thousands of people descended on Parliament Hill on Saturday to protest vaccine mandates, and many have returned for a second day action on Sunday.

Authorities say that protesters “threatened” police and city workers and a city vehicle was damaged during the demonstrations.

[1 February 2022 01:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Soup kitchen says Freedom Convoy truckers harassed staff

A soup kitchen in Ottawa has reported that members of the trucking convoy have been harassing its staff for meals, while one community member was assaulted and a security guard called “racial slurs.”

In a tweet, the Shepherds of Good Hope said meals had been provided to truckers after some issues, but stated that it would not be providing food for the convoy going forward.

[1 February 2022 02:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Why did Canadian truckers drive cross-country to protest vaccine mandates

A group of Canadian long-haul truck drivers who travelled cross-country from British Columbia as part of a “Freedom Convoy” to protest the imposition of Covid-19 vaccine requirements upon their industry have been arriving in Ottawa throughout the day, where thousands have gathered to protest.

[1 February 2022 03:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Convoy protests cause vigil honouring victims of 2017 mosque shooting to go online

A Saturday vigil planned to honor the victims of the 2017 Quebec City mosque attack has been moved online, amid fears that raucous ongoing Covid protests in Ottawa could put attendees at risk.

[1 February 2022 04:45 · Oliver O'Connell]

Ottawa police investigating some anti vaccine protesters

Police in Canada’s capital said Sunday they are investigating possible criminal charges after anti-vaccine protesters urinated on the National War Memorial, danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and used the statue of Canadian hero Terry Fox to display an anti-vaccine statement.