Update: Canadian Truckers Protests

Following on from former posts regarding protests against COVID mandates, more protests arose in Ottawa, but has been quickly stopped.

Previously, Canadian Protests against COVID mandates involved Canadian truckers [and other anti-vaccine mandate and anti-government protesters]. The ‘Freedom Convoy’ protest saw protests along the U.S.-Canada border crossing.

This protest began as a movement against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers but quickly grew to include other restrictions. News reports state that 55,000 drivers were involved in the weeks-long process, but have now washed their hands clean.

Now The Canadian Capital Is Finally Quiet

Following on from three weeks of protests and chaos in the streets of Ottawa, calm resumed on Sunday, February 20, 2021. This was thanks to police who drove off the protestors. Now, with calmness restored and 200 arrested, roving protestors have been silenced and 57 vehicles who blocked the roads have now been removed.

According to news reports, “Reminder that the Secured Area remains in effect. [Police] continue to maintain a police presence in and around the area the unlawful protest occupied.”

Previous Trucker Protest Against COVID Mandates

As formerly reported in a previous Heath Canal post CNN reports, “Thousands of truckers [and other anti-vaccine mandate and anti-government protesters] … are fighting a vaccine mandate that is forcing all Canadian truckers crossing the US-Canadian border to be fully vaccinated or face quarantine in their homes for two weeks when they return.”

The former post went on to explain ,”While this mandate has negatively impacted businesses between America and Canada, and crippled a key trade route, from a U.S. perspective, the move to put the mandate into place was an important one to reduce the spread of COVID and stop the statistics from climbing.”

Adding, “Supporters resisting other COVID prevention measures, including mask mandates, lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings have joined the truckers.”

Reminder: What About Future Protests Against COVID Mandates?

Health Canal has previously provided advice to those wishing to protest. As previously stated, “Should future protests be desired, they require permits, appropriate insurance, and public safety planning, with the applicable organizers required to follow protocol. Even protest actions from individuals are not encouraged. Previously, some protesters have been seen entering restaurants while refusing to wear a mask. All U.S. and Canadian citizens are advised to follow health and safety guidelines as set out by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further to this, laws that are designed to keep people and property protected must not be ignored.”

“In the future, protests under the threat of infection may result in the medicalization of political contention. Should more protests arise, the protestors need to adhere to health and safety measures, wear masks, and practice social distancing, even if they feel otherwise.”

As CDC recommends:

• Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID, and it is essential to remember that any mask is better than no mask, especially in protests.
• Wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
• Wear a mask to reduce transmission of COVID when worn consistently and correctly during protest action.
• It is most important to correctly wear a well-fitted mask or respirator that is comfortable for you and provides good protection.
• Wearing a highly protective mask or respirator may be most important for certain higher-risk situations or by some people at increased risk for severe disease.

Protestors, according to the news report, are also advised, “If you are involved in this protest, we will actively look to identify you and follow up with financial sanctions and criminal charges.”