Citizens of Ottawa are fed up Enough is enough! Is a sentiment shared by many residents of Canada's capital city of Ottawa. An ongoing protest led by far-right and conservative "activists" is reaching a boiling point. This has gone far beyond a "peaceful protest" instead turning into intimidation and violence. Locals have been harassed and spat on, businesses have been vandalized and shelter workers subjected to racial slurs and abuse. In addition to this, health care workers and patients alike have been blocked from access to hospitals. We call for the immediately call for the occupation of Ottawa to end. Early this month this so-called "freedom convoy" arrived in Ottawa to protest an order requiring drivers to be fully vaccinated to cross the land border between Canada and the U.S. Very quickly however, this "cause" fragmented into several other far-right agendas. Many "activists" decry Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and demand that indeed all restrictions related to COVID-19 be lifted entirely. Many of these demonstrators have pledged to remain in the capital until their demands are met. Symbols of prejudice and hate have no place in the midst of a peaceful protest and the response of the police has been minimal at best. Movements led by indigenous land defenders and black lives matter have historically been met harshly by police and quickly dispersed but alleged "Patriots" have been allowed to all but occupy the capital of our country. This protest and many associated acts are not the actions of those that care about their country or the welfare of their countrymen. We must unite yes, but we must unite in the interest of safety from a deadly virus and unite in the respect for our country. We are calling for the dispersement of this "Freedom Convoy" and the occupation of Ottawa too end. 

#FreeOttawa