Hundreds of 'Freedom Convoy' supporters drive through Vancouver, Victoria cheering on Ottawa protests
CBC
Hundreds of vehicles jammed downtown Vancouver and Victoria's streets Saturday, decked out with signs on their rooftop and Canadian flags, honking their horns to show their support of the cross-Canada "Freedom Convoy" simultaneously rallying in Ottawa against a range of COVID-19 restrictions.
The local solidarity procession made its way for several hours along Vancouver's busy Broadway corridor as drivers headed downtown starting around 12 p.m.
Vancouver police said they are watching the local convoy as it moves through the city.
"We are aware of [the] protest and will be monitoring," Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Const. Tanya Visintin said in a statement.
The force warned drivers of traffic disruptions across the city on Saturday afternoon.
"Be advised of heavy traffic throughout Vancouver which may lead to traffic disruptions due to the planned trucker convoy protest," the VPD said in a tweet after 1 p.m.
A Facebook page purporting to represent the B.C. convoy states the local events are "for the people that are unable to attend Ottawa," according to the page's administrators. "We stand united and in support."
The nearly 2,000-member page posted videos of a protest at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on Saturday, as well as posts imploring members to avoid "extremist posts" and to "be mindful of your words, no posts that may cause action against yourself or this group, travel in peace."
One of those listed as an event organizer in the Facebook group posted videos throughout the day, including several from the legislature.
"Get your voice out there, get heard," said the organizer, who identifies herself as Ana Biosis online, in one of the videos. "This is our Canada. Why mandates? Our bodies, our choice."
Protests were also held in a number of other B.C. cities, including in Kelowna, where demonstrators' signs included slogans such as "Freedom of choice should not be taken away ever," "End all mandates, no more restriction," and "Liberty or death, don't tread on me."
The B.C. processions and rallies coincided with a large protest in Canada's capital against a number of COVID-19 government policies, not just the cross-border requirement for truck drivers to be vaccinated, a policy that mirrors the vaccination mandate south of the border.
Thousands descended onto Parliament Hill on Friday and Saturday, calling for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other public health restrictions.
WATCH | Thousands in Ottawa protests call for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates:
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is forming a working group to tackle what it calls systemic issues in the justice system, but answers or solutions could still be months away.
A woman has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death in a 2024 fatal hit and run in Truro, N.S., where the victim was dragged down the street, a case that went unsolved for more than six months.
A stream of people showing up to a brightly lit front porch, each holding up a bottle of wine, spirits, or beer.
Sona Lakhoyan Olivier has been excluded from Quebec’s Liberal caucus for the duration of an investigation led by the National Assembly’s ethics commissioner, the party announced Thursday.
The head of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association hopes a city plan to crack down on vacant properties leads to a transformation in his community.
Saskatchewan's justice minister is rejecting the latest legislative proposal from the NDP Opposition, one that the NDP says is a necessary check on government power.
The provincial government is proposing sweeping changes to citizen-led referendum questions that could put a stop to an active court case about whether it’s constitutional to ask Albertans if they agree with separating from Canada.