Ottawa Freedom Convoy – What Defines A Protest?

If you haven’t been reading the news, then you may be surprised to see a very un-Canadian-like protest in Canada. The Freedom Convoy is an ongoing protest in Canada against the government’s COVID-19 policies. 

It began as a more focused protest specifically against vaccine requirements for truckers to re-enter the country. This is a mandate that every Canadian has had to follow. Initially, truckers were exempt from vaccine requirements. This change in policy angered a small but vocal group of truckers, to say the least.

It has since evolved into a general protest against any and all COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. 

The truckers gathered from all points of Canada to form a convoy that has converged in Ottawa at Parliament Hill. They were joined by pedestrian protestors to further crowd the capital. They have stated very clearly that they intend to remain put until all COVID-19 restrictions and mandates have been repealed. 

Man, I don’t think we’ve ever seen Canada this pissed off. 

How Did This All Happen? 

Starting January 22nd, the convoys began their routes. By the 29th, approximately 3,000 trucks and up to 15,000 protesters had settled in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The main rally for the Freedom Convoy was taking place. Hateful imagery such as yellow stars and swastikas (and the confederate flag for some bizarre reason) was littered throughout the angry crowd.

As the protest continued, reports of bad behavior from the protestors emerged. Ottawa residents reported challenges, harassment, and violent threats. 

On February 6, a state of emergency was declared by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. The Ottawa police confiscated over 3,000 liters of fuel that same day. 

State of Emergency

The Freedom Convoy quickly escalated out of control. Between the aggressive behavior by the protestors and the relentless honking by the thousands of trucks blocking the narrow roads of Ottawa. 

After seemingly letting the protestors steamroll authorities, the Canadian government finally took action. After declaring a state of emergency, Mayor Watson requested an additional 1,800 officers to help control the protest and referred to it as a “siege.” 

The Canadian government and Ottawan residents had had enough. The Freedom Convoy was becoming less of a protest against government action and instead was devolving into near-chaos. 

Are The Protestors Justified? Or A Dangerous Nuisance? 

No one denies that the participants of the Freedom Convoy have a right to protest. But what does it mean to protest? Are all protests good? If you call your demonstration a protest, are you moving society in the right direction? Or are you just causing a ruckus? 

As far as most people can observe, the Convoy is incessantly loud and features a lot of hateful images paired with bad behavior.

By contrast, the We Demand Rally, the first large-scale gay rights demonstration in Canada, played out very differently. 

On August 28, 1971, a group of approximately 200 demonstrators organized by Toronto Gay Action and Community Homophile Association of Toronto marched to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. They presented a 13-page document that featured a list of 10 demands to the Canadian Parliament. 

As a direct result of the rally, one of their demands was met. The Immigration Act was amended, removing the ban on gay men from traveling and immigrating to Canada. All 10 demands have since been met. 

Not one truck horn was honked. 

What’s Next For The Freedom Convoy?

It seems pretty clear by now that the Convoy’s demands are not going to be met. With noise complaints and harassment of everyday citizens – including the harassment of homeless shelter volunteers. Not to mention links to far-right extremist groups, and rumors of instigation by United States politicians, it’s difficult to imagine a single COVID restriction being lifted. 

As of February 8, Ottawa police estimate approximately 500 trucks and personal vehicles remain in the demonstration zone. 

While the Ottawa Freedom Convoy seems to be dying down, the sentiment has spread to Europe. France is already beginning its own Freedom Convoy.

It’s unclear what exactly is at the route of the demonstration, but COVID fatigue is almost certainly a factor. We’ve been living with this pandemic and the restrictive protocols meant to protect us in place for two years now. It’s not surprising that people hit their limit. 

Something’s gotta give.