Posted on

Ottawa-area Trudeau event cancelled due to protests | CBC News

Ottawa-area Trudeau event cancelled due to protests | CBC News

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s day of whistle stops in the Ottawa area ended early today as anti-Liberal protesters gathered outside a brewery before he arrived.

Following uneventful stops in Gatineau Park in Quebec and two Ottawa suburbs earlier in the day, Trudeau was on his way to the Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery in Embrun, Ont., about 30 minutes east of Ottawa. The event was called off before he arrived.

About a dozen protesters gathered across the street from the brewery, including one who was carrying a flag emblazoned with a profanity directed at Trudeau, and another who was recording the establishment on their phone.

RCMP officers in plain clothes were posted outside.

“Due to the size and composition of the protest group and for the safety of all attendees, it was decided that it was not safe for the prime minister to attend the location,” the RCMP National Division said in a statement to CBC News.

The brewery itself was packed, both inside and on the patios. Three of those patrons, seated on the back patio, were asked to leave by a brewery employee. One of them, a woman, approached RCMP officers appearing to briefly argue with them before walking away.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that while the event had to “unfortunately” be cancelled, the prime minister looks forward to being back soon.

PM dogged by protests

It is the second time in less than two months Trudeau was forced to pull out of a planned appearance because of the presence of people espousing similar views as the “freedom convoy” protesters who blockaded downtown Ottawa for three weeks last winter.

On May 24, more than 100 protesters crowded outside the gates of a banquet hall in Surrey, B.C., with one carrying a makeshift gallows with a noose, and Trudeau Treason written on it. Trudeau opted to address the fundraising event virtually.

Trudeau has been dogged by protesters regularly since the last federal election. One election stop in Bolton, Ont., was cancelled due the presence of a large crowd of protesters.

WATCH | Convoy protesters return to Ottawa for Canada Day: 

Convoy protesters return to Ottawa for Canada Day

Freedom Convoy protesters returned to Ottawa during the first in-person Canada Day celebrations since the pandemic. With vehicles unwelcome, protesters marched on foot in the capital, angry about COVID-19 restrictions and at the government.

At a later event in London, Ont., a handful of gravel was thrown at him as he boarded his tour bus. One man was later charged with assault with a weapon.

That man was also arrested in February in Ottawa during the convoy protests.

The protesters are largely rallying against COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccine mandates and mask requirements, but some have also demanded Trudeau resign or be thrown out of office.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Liberal MP Jenna Sudds, right, speak with Reza Matin, left, and Shirin Mohseni, second from left, about the Climate Action Incentive Payment at their backyard in Ottawa on Friday. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

Before Embrun’s event Friday the big talk of Trudeau’s day was his new short hair cut.

Trudeau also visited a family’s home in Ottawa to discuss a “climate action incentive” payment that Canadians received from the federal government. Some neighbours gathered as curious onlookers, but there were no protesters visible there.

Earlier in the year, a “Freedom Convoy” base camp was set up in Embrun during the blockades that seized Ottawa for three weeks.

Posted on

Downtown businesses, festival hearing fears about protests on Canada Day | CBC News

Downtown businesses, festival hearing fears about protests on Canada Day | CBC News

Canada Day in Ottawa typically means fireworks and celebration downtown, but for events and businesses near Parliament Hill, the shadow of the Freedom Convoy still looms over the first in-person festivities in two years.

“It’s been a lifetime and it feels like it’s last week,” Kevin McHale, executive director of the Sparks Street BIA, said of the time that’s passed since the weeks-long February protest and occupation.

Protest groups — most of which formed out of the Freedom Convoy — have said they plan to hold ongoing demonstrations throughout the summer, starting on June 30 and building toward Labour Day.

McHale said recent protests, including “Rolling Thunder Ottawa” rally, have followed a more traditional trajectory — people come, say their piece and go home.

“I think the bigger concern is what all of the talk of it does for citizens in Ottawa,” he explained.

“The hype that builds around it, that builds concerns, that builds on the anxieties that people have from February. It’s just a lot more pressure on our members to cut through that and it’s very difficult to do so.”

Those fears can quickly turn into one more reason not to visit downtown and stop at a shop or restaurant, McHale added.

The Ottawa Jazz Festival is fielding similar concerns, according to executive producer Catherine O’Grady.

She said attendees and artists have both shared fears about protests, which led to her issuing a statement last week ensuring ticket holders that the event would not be “bullied or threatened by outsiders.”

‘We’re not cancelling our event’

O’Grady said Wednesday that she was drafting another message to performers saying they’ll be safe.

“Good heavens. It’s Canada,” she said. “Why do we have to reassure our artists that are coming from America that they’re going to be safe in the nation’s capital?”

The festival is set to take place during the Canada Day long weekend at Confederation Park, which was the site of a protest supply camp during the convoy.

When festival organizers originally spoke with the city about support, O’Grady said one of the “initial” reactions from staff was to ask whether they’d consider cancelling.

On Wednesday, following a meeting with police, the producer said she had been assured “every measure” was being put in place to ensure their safety. Police will be on the ground, keeping an eye on access to the park, and suggested making sure all festival trucks were clearly marked as they’ll be stopping vehicles on Queen Elizabeth Drive, she said.

“We’re really relieved to hear all that and of course we’re not cancelling our event,” said O’Grady. “Absolutely not.”

Summer of protests ‘not sustainable’ for police

Police previously said they were aware of the planned protest and were “planning accordingly,” along with Canada Day organizers.

Public safety consultant and former Ottawa police chief Charles Bordeleau said typical Canada Day “taps out” the resources available to police. He suggested the service is likely already reaching out to the RCMP, OPP and others to make sure they have enough officers on hand.

“If you don’t have the resources on the ground to set the tone and to communicate with those that wish to disrupt that this will not be acceptable then you will fail,” Bordeleau said.

Ottawa Morning8:39Veterans 4 Freedom

Several groups — most formed out of the Freedom Convoy — are planning protests and events in Ottawa throughout the summer. Including one that starts today, in the lead up to Canada Day. CBC’s David Fraser explained who’s behind these events – and how police are planning to respond.

Police learned lessons during the convoy, including the need for solid intelligence and the need for boots on the ground, the former chief added, but a summer of protests will be a challenge.

“I think the police service has been clear that it’s not sustainable … because of the number of resources that are required to keep everybody safe,” Bordeleau said.

City is not a ‘soapbox,’ says mayor

Mayor Jim Watson said the city and police are set to hold a press conference Monday outlining their plans for the long weekend.

“My message to people who want to come and celebrate our nation’s birthday is not to be intimidated by individuals who may be coming to Ottawa to cause trouble,” he said after Wednesday’s council meeting.

The behaviour seen during the truck convoy will not be tolerated, Watson added.

“This is not an opportunity for you to use our city as a soapbox for various grievances,” the mayor said. “Let the people of Canada celebrate their nation’s birthday in peace.”

Police officers on horseback ride along Sparks Street, one block away from Wellington Street, where vehicles have been parked to protest COVID-19 rules, Jan. 31, 2022. (Daniel Bouchard/Radio-Canada)

McHale said the February protest was the one time in decades that businesses on Sparks Street closed their doors, but after two hard, pandemic years, that’s not an option now.

He added he’s not overly concerned, though he did have a request for protesters.

“Please don’t scream at people as they’re walking by and interfere in their lives,” McHale said. “That’s all. And if everyone does that, then you can protest and [others] can come and celebrate.”

Posted on

D.C. girds for protests, celebrations expected to draw large crowds

D.C. girds for protests, celebrations expected to draw large crowds
Placeholder while article actions load

D.C. police are increasing their presence in the city, deploying civil-disturbance units and closing roads to gird for several large protests, events and celebrations that are planned in the nation’s capital over the next two weekends, top city officials said at a news conference Friday.

City officials said they are prepared to welcome the large crowds and maintain safety, but recommended residents and visitors travel by public transportation and be mindful of their surroundings.

“It’s going to be a busy weekend. We’re ready for it. … Let’s celebrate our D.C. values and have a lot of fun,” Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) said adding later: “We are prepared, and we don’t live in fear.”

Police Chief Robert J. Contee III repeatedly discouraged visitors and event participants from bringing guns into the city, broadly acknowledging national incidents of gun violence.

“Firearms have no place at these events,” Contee said during a Friday news conference. “We’re not going to tolerate foolishness.”

Over the next two weeks, tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on D.C. for a wide variety of causes. They will protest gun violence — and demonstrate in support of abortion rights and living wages. They will march in the Capital Pride Parade, enjoy Columbia Heights Day, a neighborhood festival, and honor Salvadoran culture in Mount Pleasant. They will run in a 10k race to promote healthy lifestyles, dance in downtown streets at a music festival and celebrate Juneteenth, a day that has come to symbolize the end of slavery in the United States.

This rush of demonstrations and other mass gatherings comes at a time of heightened anxiety — following several high-profile mass shootings across the country, demonstrations at the Supreme Court and at the homes of particular justices, and the recent arrest of man authorities say traveled from California in an attempt to kill Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI assistant director in charge Steven M. D’Antuono said in a joint statement Friday that their offices will not tolerate violence “under the guise” of a peaceful demonstration.

Bowser said that although people may be “feeling that fear,” city officials are prepared, and excited, to once again be welcoming residents and visitors to celebrate Pride events this weekend, including the Capital Pride Parade, which is scheduled to start near 14th and T streets NW at 3 p.m. Saturday.

On Saturday, supporters of March for Our Lives, the organization founded by student survivors of the 2018 mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., will rally at noon near the Washington Monument. Organizers expect 50,000 people, according to a permit issued by the National Park Service.

During Pride events this weekend, many downtown streets will be closed to vehicular traffic.

These are the street closures for a 10k run, and these are the closures Capital Pride Parade and Block Party. On Sunday, there will be additional street closures, which are posted here, for the Capital Pride Festival. There will also be street closures, starting Monday, related to the Something in the Water festival from June 17 to June 19 on Independence Ave SW between 3rd Street SW and 9th Street SW.

For up-to-date traffic information, residents and visitors can go to twitter.com/DCPoliceTraffic.

Posted on

Key events in Canada’s trucker protests against COVID curbs

Key events in Canada's trucker protests against COVID curbs

Canadian Police officers move protestors towards parliament hill, as they work to restore normality to the capital while trucks and demonstrators continue to occupy the downtown core for more than three weeks to protest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, February 19, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com

Feb 19 (Reuters) – Canadian police on Saturday used pepper spray and stun grenades in an attempt to restore normalcy in Ottawa, parts of which have been paralyzed by protesters opposing the government’s pandemic restrictions. read more

Here is a timeline of main events:

Nov. 19 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government announces that all cross-border truck drivers will be subject to mandatory vaccine and quarantine requirements from Jan. 15. The trucking industry association has warned the mandates could intensify supply-chain disruptions, but opposes protests on public roads. read more

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com

Jan. 28 – A convoy largely consisting of trucks starts arriving in Ottawa from across Canada opposing the vaccine mandate. A similar requirement is in place in the United States.

Jan. 29 – Thousands of protesters under the banner “The Freedom Convoy 2022” hold a loud but peaceful protest in downtown Ottawa. read more

Jan. 31 – Trudeau, who was moved to a secret location, says Canadians are disgusted by the behavior of some protesters in Ottawa and says he will not be intimidated. read more

Feb. 2 – Leader of Canada’s main opposition Conservative Party, Erin O’Toole, is ousted after a caucus vote, partly because of his failure to embrace the anti-government protest quickly enough. read more

Feb. 5 – Protesters occupy downtown Ottawa for second straight weekend. Protests spread to other cities including the financial capital Toronto. read more

Feb. 6 – Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declares state of emergency. read more

Feb. 7 – Police seize thousands of liters of fuel and remove an oil tanker supplying the trucks. A court grants an interim injunction preventing people from sounding horns in downtown Ottawa.

Feb. 7 – Protesters start blocking the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, the busiest crossing between Canada and the United States, and protesters block other border points in Alberta and Manitoba. read more

Feb. 8 – The blockade disrupts trade between the two countries. Ford Motor Co (F.N), General Motors Co (GM.N) and Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) halt some production. read more

Feb. 10 – The Biden administration urges Canada to use federal powers to ease the disruption at the U.S.-Canada border. read more

Feb. 11 – A Canadian judge orders an end to the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge and the province of Ontario declares a state of emergency. Protesters defy the court order and remain. read more

Feb. 13 The Ambassador Bridge reopens after a six-day blockade as Canadian police clear protesters. read more

Feb. 15 – Trudeau invokes rarely used special emergency measures to tackle protests. read more

Feb. 16 – Ottawa’s police chief resigns. read more

Feb. 17- Police warn protesters occupying central Ottawa of “imminent” action. read more

Feb. 18 – Police begin push into crowds of demonstrators, arrest more than 100 and haul away vehicles. Key organizers are arrested. read more

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com

Compiled by Denny Thomas in Toronto
Editing by Matthew Lewis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Posted on

Protests against pandemic mandates enter 3rd weekend across Canada | CBC News

Protests against pandemic mandates enter 3rd weekend across Canada | CBC News

Protesters seeking an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other public health measures are demonstrating for a third weekend at sites across Canada, and solidarity demonstrations are being held in other countries.

The Freedom Convoy, as it’s known, rolled into Ottawa in late January and has inspired similar protests across Canada, including blockades at vital border crossings.

The protests have caused widespread disruptions, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that police and all levels of government are preparing to take action against the demonstrators if they do not stand down.


What’s happening across Canada

In the Atlantic provinces, a crowd of protesters outside the New Brunswick legislature in Fredericton grew to nearly 300 on Saturday afternoon; cars, trucks and even some tractors travelled through Prince Edward Island in what was billed as a “slow roll” protest; and a protest in support of the convoy was met with a counter-protest in Nova Scotia.

Hundreds protest at the New Brunswick legislature in Fredericton on Saturday. (Aaron Sousa/The Canadian Press)

In the Prairies, several border crossings are impassable. The Manitoba border crossing that connects Emerson to Pembina, N.D., was blocked by a convoy of trucks and farm vehicles — while demonstrators also gathered at the provincial legislature in Winnipeg — and blockades in Alberta continued at the border crossing near the village of Coutts. Meanwhile, protesters are planning to demonstrate at the Regway border crossing in Saskatchewan

In Ontario, police have moved in to enforce an injunction to end a blockade at the Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor to Detroit; police in Fort Erie are bracing for a protest convoy to arrive at the Peace Bridge, Canada’s third-busiest border crossing; a few hundred people have gathered peacefully near the Ontario legislature in Toronto; and police in Ottawa say that although all available officers have been deployed, they are awaiting reinforcements in order to enact a plan to end the convoy occupation in the nation’s capital.

WATCH | CBC News Network’s live coverage of the protests: 

Watch CBC News Network’s coverage of the protests at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., and elsewhere across Canada. 0:00

In Quebec, protesters in Montreal marched and listened to speakers at a park, which included People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier. A smaller group of counter-protesters also held a short march, calling the movement against pandemic measures “a front for the far-right.”

In British Columbia, protesters have been occupying the Pacific Highway border crossing in south Surrey since Feb. 5, with a convoy of protesters joining them from Chilliwack on Saturday morning. They come despite complaints from local businesses and residents who say they were threatened by protesters throughout the week, and numerous noise complaints due to loud honking.


What’s happening around the world

Protests inspired by the Canadian demonstrations were seen in parts of Europe on Saturday.

At least 500 vehicles in several convoys attempted to enter Paris at key arteries but were intercepted by police. Over 200 motorists were ticketed, and elsewhere at least two protesters were detained amid a seizure of knives, hammers and other objects in a central square.

A convoy protester waves a Canadian flag in Paris on Saturday. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

In the Netherlands, meanwhile, dozens of trucks and other vehicles ranging from tractors to a car towing a camping van arrived in The Hague, blocking an entrance to the historic parliamentary complex. Protesters on foot joined them, carrying a banner emblazoned with “Love & Freedom, No Dictatorship” in Dutch.

In the United States, a convoy of motorists is planning to head to the waterfront in Port Huron, Mich., in support of protesters in Canada. Another U.S. group said two separate vehicle convoys will converge this weekend at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo.

Earlier this week in New Zealand, protesters rolled up to Parliament grounds in a convoy of cars and trucks and set up camp. Police have taken a hands-off approach after initial attempts to remove them resulted in physical confrontations.