Ottawa’s mayor said Sunday that the ongoing protests by truckers in the Canadian capital were “out of control” and declared a state of emergency as the city centre remained blocked by opponents of coronavirus measures.
Protesters, who first arrived in the capital on January 29, parked large drilling rigs on city streets and erected tents and makeshift shacks — paralyzing the capital, terrifying officials and increasingly frustrated many residents.
Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency “reflecting the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by ongoing demonstrations and underscoring the need for support from other jurisdictions and all levels of government,” the city’s statement said. a statement said.
Earlier in the day, Watson described the situation as “completely out of control”, adding that protesters were “far outnumbered by our police”.
“It’s clear we’re outnumbered and we’re losing the battle,” he told CFRA radio. “This has to be reversed; we have to get our city back.”
Watson called the truck drivers “insensitive” as they continued “honking horns, sirens and fireworks to turn it into a party”.
The demonstrations started as protests by truckers outraged over vaccine demands as they crossed the U.S.-Canada border, but have since morphed into broader protests against Covid-19 health restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
Locals complained about the constant blast of air horns and were harassed, insulted or obstructed by protesters.
However, truckers and their supporters have stepped in, saying the protests will continue until Covid-related restrictions are lifted.
On Sunday, police announced new measures to prevent people from helping protesters continue the sit-in.
“Anyone attempting to provide material support (gas etc.) to demonstrators may be arrested,” the force tweeted, adding that several arrests had been made on Sunday night.
Similar demonstrations, albeit on a smaller scale, took place Saturday in cities including Toronto, Quebec City and Winnipeg.
Quebec City police said about 30 large trucks blocked a major artery and were warned they could face fines if they didn’t act soon.
Police tweeted late Sunday that all the trucks had left, but protest organizers promised they would return within two weeks once the ongoing Quebec Winter Carnival ended.
In an emergency meeting with Ottawa officials on Saturday, Police Chief Peter Slowly complained about his lack of resources to end what he called a “siege” and called for reinforcements.
Ottawa police will soon be supported by about 250 Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a federal force.
“This group is a threat to our democracy,” City Council member Diane Deans said of the protesters Saturday. “What we’re seeing is not just an issue in the city of Ottawa, it’s a national uprising. It’s crazy.”
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
