Protesters in downtown Winnipeg call for end to pandemic restrictions

Semi-trailer trucks and other vehicles lined streets around the Manitoba Legislature Friday morning with a noisy protest convoy calling for an end to pandemic restrictions and federal vaccine mandates for truckers.

The vehicles parked along Broadway and Memorial Boulevard, and a truck towing a camper trailer blocked Memorial at St. Mary Avenue.

Memorial was closed from Broadway to St. Mary, as was York Avenue from Osborne Street to Kennedy Street, Winnipeg police said. Police also blocked eastbound Assiniboine Avenue at the Osborne Bridge.

Police advised drivers to be aware of traffic disruptions and avoid Portage east of Osborne, north of the Assiniboine River and west of Donald Street.

As of Friday afternoon, there were an estimated 50 to 70 vehicles participating in the demonstration, Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smyth said during a news conference with Mayor Brian Bowman.

The demonstrators have been co-operative so far and police haven't received any complaints of violence or other incidents related to the protest, he said. 

Shirley, who attended with a sign that reads "Freedom no mandates," accused the government of overreach and said Canada is moving toward "a totalitarian regime."

Shirley, who didn't want to give her last name, said she lost her job for refusing to be vaccinated.

"I want my Canada that I love back," she said.

"So many lives have been ruined, jobs have been lost, mental health; there's huge issues.… Elderly people are dying alone. Sick people can't have their visitors."

She said she is glad to hear Manitoba will be loosening some gathering size restrictions in the coming days and aim to gradually ease other restrictions by spring.

Cindy Bachynski said that's not good enough. 

"No restrictions, now," she said. "Why are there still restrictions two years later if the vaccine makes you safe? They've been lying to you. The government is lying, the media is lying."

Bachynski said she hasn't been able to do anything for two years and "wants freedom."