TORONTO: On Saturday, February 5th, a trucker-led caravan entered the central core of Canada’s largest city, joining multiple rallies around the country over COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other health initiatives.
Truckers blared their horns as thousands of demonstrators greeted them and the far bigger convoy of passenger vehicles, which clogged several blocks of downtown Toronto. Some climbed the rigs, and some even danced.
Organizers hoped the convoy would make it to Queens Park, the official residence of the Ontario provincial government. However, a significant police presence and roadblocks stopped this from happening.
“The truckers need your aid,” a man cried on a portable loudspeaker, urging protesters to assist in removing the barricades.
At least one arrest has been made in connection with the protest. Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Service stated in a tweet that paramedics were delayed due to protesters and vehicles blocking the route.
In Winnipeg, a man was charged after his Jeep drove through a crowd of demonstrators.
The Toronto convoy was one of many rallies taking place across Canada, all of which were loosely linked to the Freedom Convoy in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. Some have become violent.
On Friday, police in Winnipeg, Manitoba, detained a man for allegedly driving a Jeep through a gathering of convoy protesters, injuring four people. According to police, three of the victims had minor injuries, while a fourth was treated and released from the hospital.
In connection with the incident, David Alexander Zegarac, 42, is facing various counts, including assault with a weapon. The motivation for the attack is being investigated by the police.
“What I can tell you here is that the accused made comments that tend to suggest that this was not really about the mandates,” Winnipeg police Const. Rob Carver said during a news conference on Saturday.
Hundreds of trucks and other vehicles have stayed in Ottawa a week after the convoy arrived, despite increasing calls for their removal from officials and the decision by GoFundMe to close its fundraiser on Friday. On Sunday, authorities suggested they would begin arresting anyone who provide material support to protestors, such as petrol.
In Winnipeg, a man was charged after his Jeep drove through a crowd of demonstrators.
The Toronto convoy was one of many rallies taking place across Canada, all of which were loosely linked to the Freedom Convoy in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. Some have become violent.
On Friday, police in Winnipeg, Manitoba, detained a man for allegedly driving a Jeep through a gathering of convoy protesters, injuring four people. According to police, three of the victims had minor injuries, while a fourth was treated and released from the hospital.
In connection with the incident, David Alexander Zegarac, 42, is facing various counts, including assault with a weapon. The motivation for the attack is being investigated by the police.
“What I can tell you here is that the accused made comments that tend to suggest that this was not really about the mandates,” Winnipeg police Const. Rob Carver said during a news conference on Saturday.
Hundreds of trucks and other vehicles have stayed in Ottawa a week after the convoy arrived, despite increasing calls for their removal from officials and the decision by GoFundMe to close its fundraiser on Friday. On Sunday, authorities suggested they would begin arresting anyone who provide material support to protestors, such as petrol.
Truckers aren’t simply upset about the mandates.
Protesters’ demands have grown far beyond the cross-border truckers affected by vaccine mandates imposed by the Canadian and United States governments in January. Drivers who joined the Toronto convoy said they were protesting for a variety of reasons.
“We’re out here for everyone’s rights,” said Roadhammer, one of the drivers.
According to Roadhammer, the vaccine obligation cost him his job as a cross-border driver. He is presently a local runner.
Stephen Webster, a cross-border owner-operator, stated that he had been fully immunized against COVID-19. He joined the caravan because he had other issues with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government, such as financial cuts to healthcare and homeless programs.
“I got three injections,” he continued, “but I think people should have a choice.” “Like many others, I’m here for other reasons.” Many people are irritated with the Ford administration.”
Meanwhile, the protests continue to be divisive in the Canadian trucking business, where the great majority of drivers are immunized. Carriers, trucking associations, and individual drivers have all spoken out against them, in part because of incidents in Ottawa, such as the display of Nazi symbols.
“This weekend, I’ll be crossing the border again.” On Friday, trucker Al Goodhall tweeted, “I’m picking up freight bound for Western Canada.” “The majority of truckers will do the same thing as me. The Ottawa protest is self-indulgent. Our liberties stem from our ability to care for one another rather than tear each other down.”
