January 1, Freedom Convoy: Truckers Block US-Canada Border in Protest Against COVID Mandates

Canadian truckers blocking the U.S.-Canada border in a “Freedom Convoy” say they will stay put until the government agrees to roll back federal vaccine and mask mandates.

The convoy, which began on Jan. 23, culminated on Jan. 29 when thousands of protestors arrived in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital, to join the protest. Many truckers have remained parked in the same spots since the weekend in below-freezing temperatures.

“The people want change. They feel that we are their last hope because nobody else is listening. We’re listening and we are here,” one trucker named Travis said. 

But Canadian authorities have denounced the movement as an “unlawful blockade,” saying they’re taking action to clear the truckers.

In a statement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said: “What may have begun as a peaceful assembly quickly turned into an unlawful blockade.”

“While the Alberta RCMP has been in a position to conduct enforcement, we have been engaged with protesters at the Coutts border crossing in an effort to find a peaceful and safe resolution for all involved. We thought we had a path to resolution, the protesters eventually chose not to comply.”

“As of this morning, further action is being taken by the Alberta RCMP as this blockade continues to impede the ability for emergency agencies to provide full services to area residents,” the RCMP added.

Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau has refused to meet with the protestors.

“We won’t give in to those who fly racist flags. We won’t cave to those who engage in vandalism,” he said.

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Freedom Convoy: Police move in as public turns on truckers blocking US-Canada border