If the first day of a protest by motorcyclists opposing health measures began calmly on Friday in Ottawa, things got tough at night. Police have been arrested several times.
Just over a hundred people showed up relatively calm on Friday night in front of Parliament Hill. In the distance, you can hear singing ” freedom, liberty “, A slogan that haunted the federal capital for more than a month last winter.
Anger erupted, however, as protesters headed to the Rideau Center.
During this time, many demonstrators verbally abused the police, especially to denounce their presence and the way they treat opponents of health measures.
Before 9 p.m., the Ottawa Police Service announced it was deploying additional officers due to the aggressive crowd near Rideau Street and Sussex Avenue. Moments later, police indicated they were working with their partners to stop this demonstration.
Around 10 p.m., Ottawa police confirmed on Twitter that they had arrested several people. Police remain on the scene to ensure securitywe add.
Send a message to the government
The demonstrators wanted to send a message to the federal government and the provinces that they were tired of the health measures. They also call for freedom of choice about vaccination against COVID-19.
One of the demonstrators encountered in the area explained that he showed up at the rally, because he supported the group’s opinion.
” I do not support violence, but I believe these protests will be peaceful. “
I still can’t leave the country because of these steps [sanitaires]added another participant to the demonstration. I’ve been on motorcycles all over the world and now I’m stuck because of these pointless steps.
To ensure the smooth running of this rally, a large deployment of police was prepared during the week.
Tickets and towing
On Twitter, authorities indicated early Friday morning that they had already towed vehicles. From 7 am [vendredi matin]officers issued 185 fines and had 20 vehicles towed [dans] there is no parking zone in the area for this weekend’s motorcycle eventcan we read on social media.
Members of political organizations also took advantage of the opportunity to make themselves heard. This was particularly the case of Daniel Brisson, Quebec lieutenant of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), who went to Parliament Hill to denounce the health measures.
In Ottawa, there are still health restrictions that exist. We take away the freedom of people to travel by plane, train or boat, based on what? There is no science to back that up right now. It is political. Yes, it is loss of freedomsaccording to him.
Counter-demonstration in Ottawa
A counter-demonstration was also organized by the group Solidarité communautaire Ottawa in Strathcona Park about two kilometers east of the parliament building. One hundred people showed up, holding placards. So we wanted to let the convoy of motorcyclists know that it was not welcome.
The co-organizer wanted to stay away from Parliament Hill to avoid confrontation. We are here like ordinary people who have been through everything in the pastmention of Chantal Sundaram. We want to indicate to the convoy that they are not welcome.
Brian Latour, co-organizer and member of the group Solidarité communautaire Ottawa, added that the hatred and political extremism right behind this new convoy has no place in the community.
On the spot, the veterans said they were uncomfortable seeing some former colleagues participating in movements such as the convoy of motorcyclists demonstrating against health measures.
Many more events are planned for the weekend.
A new downside for merchants and restaurateurs
Merchants and city center residents say they are on alert. This is a situation that will put the economy in jeopardy for the entire weekend.exclaimed Moulin de Provence owner Claude Bonnet.
” We have general disgust, both, it must be said. “
Another Ottawa restaurateur said he received 50% cancellation in connection with the event. Its customers are afraid of issues of access to the city center and parking.
Dominique Dufour, chef and owner of restaurant Gray Jay, said she would close the doors of her restaurant if the situation came up to compromise the safety of her employees.
“We hope people who show up in Ottawa understand that this is a difficult month for merchants in the federal capital,” he allowed himself to ask. Hopefully with respect.
A ceremony is scheduled for Saturday in front of the National War Memorial. According to forecasts, 500 to 1000 motorcyclists are expected.
Information from Charles Lalande and Frederic Pepin
Source: Radio-Canada