July 1, 2022 • 8 min ago • 6 min read • 17 comments Andrew Larche patrolled Wellington Street on Friday in a custom Canadian flag robe. He was happy to be back, after two years without major interpersonal events in Canada. Photo by Matthew Lapierre / Postmedia

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The first “clash” between authorities and “freedom” protesters occurred in the afternoon, when city bylaw officials tried to ticket protesters who had set up a table on Wellington Street to sell freedom merchandise.

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The group of “freedom convoy” supporters, still numbering only several dozen, grew stronger as the day progressed. They clashed with photographers trying to take their pictures, shouted “freedom” and someone chalked “wake up Canada” on the street. “I’m here for freedom of choice,” said one man wearing a “Free Pat King” shirt. “The sting is poison,” said a man who identified himself as Z and said he did not bring his cell phone to the area because he was worried about being watched. “I’m being watched,” he said. At one point, a group of women wearing shirts slurring at the prime minister set up a table to hand out buttons that said Justin Trudeau is wanted for treason. Bylaw officers arrived and spoke with the women, considering whether to issue a ticket and order the table dismantled. The interaction drew a crowd and dozens of protesters surrounded the officers. The women said the table was for a religious ceremony and the crowd took off their hats and prayed.

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When the officers left without issuing a ticket, the crowd cheered and chanted “freedom.” Quite the sight as bylaw officers considered ticketing a pair of women wearing F* Trudeau shirts who set up a table to sell freedom gear. The crowd chanted a prayer and said it was a religious ceremony. They cheered as the officers left. pic.twitter.com/BewHw0qQtX — Matthew Lapierre (@mattlapi) July 1, 2022

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Minutes later, the cheers turned to boos as the police arrived and the table was broken up. City officials had warned earlier in the week that “hateful” messages of any kind would be dealt with harshly at the activities. Otherwise, Canadian flags were once again in vogue on Wellington Street on Friday, but unlike the winter protests, this time there were few shouts of “freedom” and minimal honking. Officers from several police agencies remained and tows were parked on side streets near the city center on Friday morning. The crowd grew throughout the morning, with most people looking excited to celebrate Canada’s first major celebration since the beginning of the pandemic. Officers of the Parliamentary Protection Services checked bags and used portable metal detectors to monitor people who wanted to enter Parliament. Weapons, alcohol, tents and barbecues were among the items banned on the Hill. Signs and banners were allowed, but only if they were made of cardboard or fabric.

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Canadian flags were also welcome, but not flagpoles, social media officials warned. The presence of several dozen “Freedom Convoy” supporters who along Wellington Street did not dominate the crowd. They carried flags that used a familiar spontaneous slogan to Prime Minister Justin Trinto and posters against vaccines. The non-protesting revelers treated them as a curiosity, taking photos and videos of the small group. On Wellington Street, Andrew Larche wore an ornate robe sewn from Canadian flags. “I just love Canada,” he said. He has been attending Canada Day for the past two years, but he wore a mask and kept his distance. “It’s Canada, we’m getting over it,” he said. “I am very happy to be back.”

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A man and a woman dressed in Canadian flags from head to toe laughed at the list of items banned on the Hill. “This is not Canada,” she said. “This is a shame.” At LeBreton Flats, meanwhile, the new Canada Day celebration home was just a party and celebration, with no obvious indication of anyone thinking about vaccines or prescriptions. Musicians and politicians took to the main stage there, while people watched, listened and ran hot dogs and lemonade. Information booths were set up in case, for example, visitors even though it would be a good time to consider a GoodLife Fitness subscription or wondered what the Ontario Grain Farmers were doing. As he did in previous years, Dominic Tremblay was a great success, especially with the kids. This was also the eighth year, except for the two years that the ceremonies were held indoors, but the Quebec resident dressed as “Captain Canada” to send birthday wishes.

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“I do this only because I have been in the army for 17 years and I am very proud of my country. I have traveled a lot to meet people all over Canada and abroad. Coming here just to have a Canadian birthday is very nice. And, you know, all the differences we have in Canada make our country stronger. “ To the last point, Trebley said he planned to visit other places where freedom protesters were also scattered. “I’m not a politician,” he said. “I will go there to meet all Canadians today. He is here for a reason today, because it is the right place. “ Meanwhile, police picnic for the day of the Guardian family scheduled for Strathcona Park on Friday was canceled, according to organizers. The Police on Guard for Thee, which hosted the event, made the announcement on Twitter, citing an incident at the National War Memorial on Thursday night where a police officer allegedly drowned and four people were arrested.

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“Unfortunately there was a violent incident at War Memorial this afternoon following the departure of James Top and his crew,” he said on Twitter. “We can not put children at potential risk. So we make mistakes in terms of attention. “ Comprised of active and retired police officers, Police on Guard for Thee opposes many of the COVID-19-related orders. Supporters of the Freedom motorcade gathered at Strathcona Park on Friday. Photo by Bruce Deachman / Postmedia Despite the cancellation of the picnic in Strathcona Park, about 30 or 40 people had gathered there until late Friday morning. One of them, Karen Hiltz, said that this weekend marked the 23rd consecutive weekend of a freedom rally. He was one of about 20 Niagara members who came to Ottawa for Canada Day protests. “We are a group of freedom-loving people who have gathered the same views about wanting their freedom in Canada,” he said, “and not have orders or lockdowns and forced or forced vaccinations.

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“We are not against the vaccine, in any case, we are against the THIS vaccine, the mRNA vaccine.” He added that he believes Canadians should not be put in a situation where they have to choose between vaccination or their job. “A lot of people have lost their jobs because they had to choose and we don’t think people should be forced into that.” Another Strathcona attendee, who identified herself only as Stephanie, an Ottawa resident, said she was negotiating with the city over the use of the park on behalf of Police on Guard. He said the city on Wednesday added time restrictions that made it impossible to get a permit. “They made it absurd and impossible to get a license,” he said, “as if they had to show proof of insurance 10 days before the event. And there was another requirement that they said we should go to them three days earlier.

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“We all know that Ottawa is a special place and there would be influences from behind, no doubt. I’m sure pressure was brought to bear on all levels of government.” The incident on Thursday afternoon followed the arrival at the memorial of Topp, the Canadian soldier who marched in Ottawa from Vancouver to Ottawa. Opposing vaccine orders and other measures for COVID-19, Top was charged by the military in February with two counts of conduct of disorderly conduct and discipline for comments made while wearing his uniform. At the memorial service on Thursday, the army reservist gave a speech to about 1,200 people. “ “I have met thousands of people on my trip from Vancouver to Ottawa,” he said, “and many of them have lost hope. They feel lost. They are angry. They have lost faith in the system. “We have already started something.”

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“Listen to the call,” he added. “They gather. Get organized. Plan. What is the answer? Non-violence. Peace.” Earlier in the day, Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre joined Topp on the final leg of his walk to freedom. In the meantime,…