As we all know, the "Freedom Convoy" rolled into town, starting January 28th

Since then, the have held the downtown core of Ottawa hostage. Businesses had to close to protect their staff and property. Rideau Centre had to close on Saturday and remains closed. Costing those businesses and employees profits and wages. And will remain closed until, at least, then end of the week.

The Mayor and Police have said they won't ticket the trucks or accompanying vehicles as to not "escalate" the situation but still continue to ticket residents of Ottawa vehicles that park downtown 

Traffic and lives have been impacted by this illegal (yes, illegal. They did not seek permits from the city) protest.

We have seen hate flags, desecration of statues and monuments, damage to homes flying pride flags and to city vehicles. Ambulances have been blocked, Para Transpo has been blocked.

In Canada, section 83.01 of the Criminal Code[1] defines terrorism as an act committed "in whole or in part for a political, religious or ideological purpose, objective or cause" with the intention of intimidating the public "…with regard to its security, including its economic security, or compelling a person, a government or a domestic or an international organization to do or to refrain from doing any act." Activities recognized as criminal within this context include death and bodily harm with the use of violence; endangering a person’s life; risks posed to the health and safety of the public; significant property damage; and interference or disruption of essential services, facilities or systems.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Mayor Jim Watson

Premier Doug Ford 

 

This needs to end. Now

The original purpose of this protest has been lost. It is no longer (if it was) about the lifting of the Trucker mandate. 

It has become a siege on the city.

If this were an Indigenous Peoples protest, it would have been dismantled days ago. We all know that.

Why do these protesters have the right to block a city (and a border crossing. See Coutts Alberta) but Indigenous protesters are faced with the OPP and RCMP?

End this now.