The premier of Canada’s Quebec province announced Tuesday that it has scrapped a controversial plan to tax residents who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
At a news conference, Prime Minister François Legault took a conciliatory tone, trying to cover up the differences caused by the so-called “value added tax”.
Lego, speaking in French, said it was “time to rebuild the bridges between Quebecers” and “work together”.
“My role is to try to bring Quebecers together and as a nation. That’s why we won’t continue to contribute to health,” he said, according to Global News.
Legault presented the proposal in January.
The premier made no mention of protests by truckers that continue to surround Canada’s capital, Ottawa. However, his administration is not the only one to ease restrictions since the Liberty team entered Ottawa on Friday. British Columbia and Saskatchewan are also considering lifting some restrictions.
On Tuesday, the House of Commons unanimously passed a series of resolutions condemning the protesters. One of the motions was to “condemn the display of racist flags in Ottawa last weekend,” referring to the example of some participants carrying Nazi flags. There have also been reports of some protesters desecrating landmarks such as the National War Memorial.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the motions to launch another attack on protesters, tweeting: “Today in the House of Representatives, MPs unanimously condemn the anti-Semitism, Islamophobia we are seeing anti-Black racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Exhibited in Ottawa for the past few days. Let’s continue to work together to make Canada more inclusive.”
Ottawa police took action against two people linked to the protests. The company said Saturday it had charged Ottawa’s Matthew Dorking with “damage to property.”
“He was not arrested at the time to avoid a larger confrontation,” police said.
It also accused Andre Lacasse, another Ottawa resident, of carrying a weapon to a public meeting. Police said 13 active investigations were ongoing, with some “progress” into the desecration of war memorials and fewer protesters.
However, protesters have yet to announce any plans to evacuate the city and end the unrest. In fact, their online fundraiser to support the protests has now raised nearly $10 million.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
