Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is slamming protestors in the nation’s capital city saying they’re an ‘unacceptable’ threat to economy
Ottawa police have warned that “volatile” and “determined” protesters remain in Canada’s capital
Canadian protesters have blocked access to the busiest international crossing in North America in a rally against the nation’s COVID-19 rules.
Ottawa is under a state of emergency as police try to contain the chaos.
A ‘Freedom Convoy’ has disrupted the life of Canada’s capital for 11 days.
It started as a movement against a vaccine mandate for cross-border drivers but has since turned into a rally against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
For city blocks, in the centre of Canada’s capital, massive trucks are parked, many decorated with signs calling for an end to vaccine mandates – and also “Freedom”.
Its estimated 500 trucks are in Ottawa and many have been there for the full 12 days.
Canada’s busiest border crossing, which is a vital trade link between the country and the US has now reopened.
This followers truckers rallying against Canada’s Covid vaccine rules had blocked Ambassador Bridge for a day, bringing traffic to a halt.
The bridge’s closure came the same day as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the protesters of attempting to “blockade our economy”.
The bridge closure was part of ongoing demonstrations in Ottawa, where vehicles have gridlocked the city and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency.
The protesters say that theirs is a cause all Canadians should applaud.
Ottawa police say they are concerned about the extremist behaviour coming from far-right groups, but Quebec liberal MP say protesters have legitimate concerns.
Nearly 80 criminal investigations have been opened relating to the protests.
Some two dozen arrests have been made so far.
However, with blaring horns and streets shut for almost a fortnight now, many residents of Ottawa see differently and believe the police response is weak.
Demonstrations have spread to other Canadian cities – And around the world there have been rallies of support in Europe, New Zealand’s capital Wellington and Canberra in Australia.
