Ottawa [Canada], February 7 (ANI): With claims of hate-related incidents under investigation and arrests made amid reports of rocks and eggs thrown, Canada on Monday (local time) entered the second week of protests over COVID-19 regulations. The protest was started by a group of truckers who drove into the heart of Ottawa on January 29 to protest new coronavirus vaccine and testing rules that required truckers entering Canada to either be fully vaccinated or face testing and quarantine requirements. It spread to other major cities across the nation, reported CNN.

Moreover, more than 60 criminal investigations are underway in Ottawa that involve hate crimes, property damage, thefts and mischief, police said, reported CNN. At least seven arrests were made Sunday and at least 450 citations issued since Saturday morning, the Ottawa Police Service said. Police have responded to more than 650 calls for service in relation to the demonstrations since they began, they said on Sunday.

The city’s hate-motivated crime hotline — established after reports of anti-Semitic, racist and homophobic acts at the COVID-19 protests — has also got more than 200 calls, according to police, reported CNN. “We already have a number of hate-related incidents that we’re investigating,” Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly said last week. “We encourage anyone who’s been the victim of a hate crime or think they may have been the victim of a hate crime or exposed to hate incidents to contact us.”

In Vancouver, several hundred vehicles traveled through the city en route to the demonstration there, Vancouver Police said. Five people were arrested Saturday amid reports of “rocks and eggs being thrown, cars being kicked, and nails being strewn on roadways,” police said.

Among them was a 29-year-old US citizen from Washington state who was arrested after officers saw him wearing a balaclava and pulling a wagon full of egg cartons, police said. The man had a knife in a sheath tied to his belt, and two eggs in his jacket pocket, they said, reported CNN.

“Everyone has the right to peacefully assemble and express their views. Today’s protests attracted thousands of people who feel passionately about their causes. While most protesters were peaceful, some had to be arrested for violent behavior and unlawful conduct,” said police Sgt Steve Addison
In Winnipeg, a demonstration Friday night turned dangerous when a man drove into a crowd, hitting four people, according to the Winnipeg Police Department. The suspect, who was arrested after a brief struggle with law enforcement, faces 11 charges, including assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a conveyance and failure to stop after an accident, authorities said, reported CNN.

Canada has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with about 4 in every 5 Canadians fully vaccinated, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. (ANI)

Ottawa declares state of emergency amid ongoing ‘freedom convoy’ protests

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency in the city amid the ongoing protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, the city administration said. The current wave of protests against COVID-19 measures in Canada started when thousands of demonstrators gathered in Ottawa expressing strong opposition to vaccine mandates for truckers crossing the US-Canada border.
“Declaring a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” the City of Ottawa announced on Sunday.

According to a press statement, the state of emergency is to provide “greater flexibility” within the city administration to maintain the work of essential services and help purchase the necessary equipment for first responders and frontline workers.

Earlier on Sunday, Watson said that the ongoing protests are “the height of irresponsibility and criminal behavior”. He added that city residents and local businesses are suffering because of the major disruptions the truckers and protesters are causing. “The situation at this point is completely out of control,” the mayor said, slamming the “outrageous behavior by these individuals who think this is a big party and a big joke.”

The ongoing “Freedom Convoy” protests have been generally peaceful. However, dozens of criminal investigations have been launched into a series of incidents and at least seven people have been arrested in the capital city. (ANI)

Canada opposition leader says convoy seeks to overthrow govt, calls for urgent debate

Ottawa [Canada], February 8 (ANI/Sputnik): Anti-mandate protesters in Ottawa are seeking to overthrow the Canadian government, an opposition leader said on Monday, while calling for an emergency debate on the issue in parliament. “It’s clear that the stated intent of this convoy is to overthrow the government,” New Democrat Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh told a virtual press conference.

Singh, who commands the third-largest opposition caucus in parliament, also introduced a notice-seeking emergency debate on the “urgent situation” created by the truckers’ and farmers’ protest in Ottawa and on the general state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The wave of protests across Canada began in mid-January, with tens of thousands of truckers, farmers, and other demonstrators converging on Ottawa in a “Freedom Convoy” to express strong opposition to vaccine mandates. The protest has since evolved into an anti-government demonstration, with various groups uniting in opposition to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The NDP leader condemned the protests as a “violent and dangerous action” without offering any evidence to support his claim. The Freedom Convoy leaders and participants have repeatedly said their protest is peaceful and have discouraged any violence. However, the police have started dozens of criminal investigations into a series of incidents involving seven individuals arrested on mostly mischief charges. (ANI/Sputnik)