Canadian Mayor declares state of emergency over truckers’ protest

By Matthew Eloyi

The current truckers’ protest in Ottawa is “out of control,” according to the mayor, who declared a state of emergency as opponents of anti-Covid legislation blocked the city center.

The demonstrators, who arrived in the capital on January 29, parked their big rigs on city streets and set up tents and makeshift shacks, effectively paralyzing the city, much to the chagrin of officials and the annoyance of many inhabitants.

According to a statement from the city, the state of emergency “reflects the considerable danger and threat to the safety and security of people posed by the ongoing demonstrations and underscores the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government.”

Mayor Jim Watson had described the situation as “totally out of control” earlier in the day, adding that the demonstrators “have considerably more individuals than we have police officers.”

He told CFRA radio that “clearly, we are outnumbered and we are losing this battle.” “This has to be turned around; we have to reclaim our city.”

The trucks have proceeded to “blare horns and sirens and pyrotechnics, and turning it into a celebration,” according to Watson.

The rallies began as a response to vaccine regulations for truckers crossing the US-Canadian border, but have since evolved into broader protests over Covid-19 health restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.

Locals have complained of being harassed, humiliated, or impeded by demonstrators, as well as the constant sound of air horns.

The truckers and their supporters, on the other hand, have vowed to continue protesting until the Covid-related restrictions are abolished.

On Sunday, police announced further steps to prevent individuals from assisting the demonstrators in their sit-in.

“Anyone attempting to bring material support (gas, etc.) to the demonstrators may be arrested,” the force tweeted Sunday night, adding that numerous arrests had already been made.