As the second anniversary of the “Freedom Convoy” in Ottawa approaches, some individuals who participated in the original demonstrations are gearing up to return to downtown this weekend. Two group members held a press conference to announce a gathering on Parliament Hill, with speeches and a march, but no vehicle protests are expected. Instead, the group intends to engage in speeches and a march on Saturday afternoon.
In January 2022, thousands of people took to the streets around Parliament Hill, blocking roads with trucks and vehicles. The loosely organized demonstration encompassed individuals opposing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which were lifted. The disruptive protests led to the closure of numerous downtown businesses, including the Rideau Centre Mall. Residents reported harassment, and many were disturbed by blaring truck horns, loud music, and fireworks throughout the night. The demonstrators also blockaded border crossings with the United States.
In response to weeks of disruptions, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act, granting extraordinary powers to the police and governments while freezing the bank accounts of protesters. A massive multi-day operation involving police from Ontario and Quebec successfully cleared the Ottawa streets by February 17, 2022. The invocation of the Emergencies Act triggered a federal commission to review the government’s decision. The Public Order Emergency Commission issued 56 recommendations for police and governments last February, concluding that the use of the legislation was justified.
However, a recent development saw Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley deeming the invocation of the Emergencies Act unreasonable and violating the constitutional right to free expression. The federal government has committed to appealing this decision to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the trial of two main organizers of the “Freedom Convoy,” Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, is ongoing, facing charges of mischief and more. Additionally, a proposed $290-million class-action lawsuit against convoy organizers, representing Ottawa residents, workers, and business owners continues its proceedings in court.
