Ottawa mayor declares state of emergency over truck protest

The truck drivers’ protest is ‘out of control’ and we need to take our city back, Ottawa mayor Jim Watson says.

A counter protester makes their feelings known in Ottawa. Picture: AFP

The truck drivers’ protest in the Canadian capital is “out of control”, Ottawa’s mayor said on Sunday, announcing a state of emergency as the city centre remained blocked by ­opponents of Covid measures.

The protesters, who first reached the capital on January 29, have parked their big rigs on city streets and put up tents and temporary shacks – paralysing the capital, to the consternation of officials and the mounting frustration of many residents.

Mayor Jim Watson announced a state of emergency that “reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations, and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government”.

Earlier, Mr Watson described the situation as “completely out of control”, adding that the protesters “have far more people than we have police officers”.

“Clearly, we are outnumbered and we are losing this battle. This has to be reversed; we have to get our city back,” he told CFRA radio

He called the truckies “insensitive” as they were “blaring horns and sirens and fireworks, and turning it into a party”.

The demonstrations began as protests by truckies angry with vaccine requirements when crossing the US-Canadian border but have morphed into broader protests against Covid-19 health restrictions and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Locals have complained of the ceaseless sound of air horns and of being harassed, insulted or blocked by the protesters.

The truckies and their supporters have dug in, however, saying the protests will continue until the Covid-related restrictions are lifted.

Police on Sunday announced new measures to stop people from helping the protesters keep up their sit-in. “Anyone attempting to bring material supports (gas, etc) to the demonstrators could be subject to arrest,” the force tweeted.

Similar, if smaller, demonstrations hit the cities of Toronto, Quebec and Winnipeg on Saturday. Police in Quebec said some 30 big trucks were blocking a major artery and had been warned they would face fines if they did not move soon.

In an emergency meeting on Saturday with Ottawa officials, police chief Peter Sloly complained that he lacked the resources to end what he called a “siege”, and asked for reinforcements.

Ottawa police are due to soon be reinforced by 250 Royal Canadian Mounted Police. “This group is a threat to our democracy,” city council member Diane Deans said of the protesters on Saturday. “What we’re seeing is bigger than just a city of Ottawa problem, this is a nationwide insurrection. This is madness.”

The police said on Sunday they had issued 450 tickets since Saturday morning for a variety of mostly minor infractions including excessive noise and use of fireworks. Police have opened 97 investigations into possible criminal offences. In addition, police are working with Canadian, US and international security agencies to investigate email threats to public officials.

AFP