Protests planned in London, Ont. as province moves to end 'illegal occupations'
CBC
Police officers in London, Ont., are heading to Windsor to offer support at the Ambassador Bridge blockade. At the same time, protests are being planned in the Forest City.
The London Police Service (LPS) confirmed it had a request from authorities in Windsor for backup to respond to the protests, which Premier Doug Ford is now calling an illegal occupation. An LPS spokesperson was unable to provide specifics, citing operational concerns.
The province on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to the blockades in Windsor, Ottawa and on Highway 402, west of London. Ford said fines as high as $100,000 could be issued, including jail time, if protesters don't leave.
Two different convoy-style protests are planned for London on Saturday: starting at noon and then 2 p.m. Social media posts by organizers show the routes have been changed to avoid going by hospitals.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) was also on alert Friday regarding planned walkouts by students at some high schools in the region. Letters went home Thursday to some parents telling them these actions were planned.
"The Thames Valley District School Board is supportive of peaceful student-led initiatives that demonstrate engagement and allow students to use their voice in support of change," said TVDSB Director of Education Mark Fisher in a statement. The same statement was re-issued when asked if students could face penalties for participating in a walkout supporting the so-called Freedom Convoy.
Last weekend, several hundred vehicles made their way from a south London parking lot through the downtown. A counter-protest was held outside Victoria Hospital, where the convoy passed. This weekend, some community leaders are warning the tone has changed and it would be best to stay away.
"We all feel it's important that it's best not to engage with the convoy," said Sarah Barzak, executive director at the London School of Racialized Leaders.
"Last week in Toronto, a number of Asian elders in Chinatown were harassed by members of the convoy. And so there is a repeated pattern of escalation when you engage."
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