Thousands rallied to join the Canadian protests against mandates and restrictions in the western region of the country this past weekend.
QUICK FACTS:
- Demonstrators blocked the route of a truck convoy and other vehicles going into Vancouver Saturday, many holding signs that expressed their frustration towards the government’s COVID regulations, Breitbart reported.
- “I HAVEN’T HUGGED MY MOM IN 2 YEARS!! STOP THE MANDATES,” one woman’s sign read.
- Canadian flags and signs depicting government officials as “traitors” also flooded the streets in the downtown area.
- Five people were arrested Saturday when the demonstrations were met with counter-protesters seen throwing eggs and kicking cars, Penticton Western News reported.
- “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 behaviour and unlawful conduct,” Vancouver Police Sgt. Steve Addison said.
CANADIAN-CHINESE IMMIGRANT ON THE PROTESTS:
“My Family didn’t leave China for Chinada! Wake up! Canada!!! #FreedomConvoy2022 #unacceptable”
BACKGROUND:
- The protests in Vancouver broke out around the same time Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa, the Canadian capital, declared a state of emergency after a week-long protest in the city’s downtown.
- Ottawa police also threatened to arrest anyone supplying “Freedom Convoy” truckers with fuel or resources, according to National File.
- The city declared that the protest “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 rally was overwhelmed with so many people and vehicles that Ottawa had to announce “Streets in the downtown core are closed due to gridlock. There is no more room for vehicles,” last week.
