Every Canada Day, people gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to watch musical performances and fireworks on the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. This year, it will probably be difficult for the police to distinguish between the celebrants and the members of the convoy – on what the protesters are based. In late January, groups opposed to the vaccine and mask orders drove tractor-trailers and other large vehicles into downtown Ottawa and set up camp. The occupation of the capital for the next three weeks was a traumatic experience for many locals, who faced harassment, incessant noise and other unwanted encounters, said Ariel Troster, a candidate for the Ottawa Somerset City Council. “Many people were evicted from their homes, many were harassed, there were at least two cases where people defecated on the front steps of people. “There were reports of apartment buildings where the people of the convoy occupied the laundry room and did not leave,” Troster said. “Not to mention the symbols of hatred, which were quite visible not only on the Hill but also in the neighborhoods.” Group communications on Telegram, YouTube videos and other channels show that escorts believe in white supremacy and other conspiracies. QAnon activists and propaganda were often seen during the winter occupation. It eventually cost the city $ 36 million in policing costs and resulted in a proposed class action lawsuit against the organizers. Now that Canada has abandoned most orders, motorcades appear to be demanding the resignation of Justin Trinto as prime minister. They have gained traction with Conservative politicians, having recently met with their “allies” in parliament. The Ottawa Police Department (OPS) is committed to preventing any new attempt to occupy the city. The force is under enormous pressure to celebrate Canada Day immediately after its many failures to police the previous occupation. At a meeting of the police board on Monday, interim OPS chief Steve Bell said the increased police presence and roadblocks limiting the number of vehicles allowed in the city center may not be able to hold convoys that walk away, but will prevent people from setting up camp. “Canada Day is a very important day for Canadians. It is a day when we celebrate our country and all the good things in it. But people, when they come, must be legal. “And they have to respect our community,” Bell said.
