Thousands stage protest in Canada's Ottawa against PM Justin Trudeau's Covid-19 vaccine mandates

Trudeau and his family left their downtown Ottawa home due to security concerns.

OTTAWA: Thousands held a loud but peaceful protest in Canada`s capital Ottawa on Saturday against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau`s COVID-19 vaccine mandates, on the streets and snow-covered lawn in front of parliament.

The so-called "Freedom Convoy" started out as a rally of truckers against a vaccine requirement for cross-border drivers, but turned into a demonstration against government overreach during the pandemic with a strong anti-vaccination streak.

"I`m not able to work no more because I can`t cross the border," said a trucker from Windsor who noted he was the family`s sole breadwinner.