The protests by truckers in Canada against Covid restrictions have hit the two-week mark. Protesters have shut down central Ottawa and also disrupted cross-border trade while Canadian police threatened to arrest truckers led protests. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has slammed the movement as unacceptable.

Two weeks of Canada truckers protest, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau calls it unacceptable

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lashed out at the truckers protesting against the Covid-19 vaccine mandate in the country as “unacceptable”. Also he called the truck blockades a threat to economy.

Justin Trudeau slams truckers' protest, calls truck blockades a threat to economy

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau slams truckers' protest, calls truck blockades a threat to economy

Canadian truckers have vowed to prolong anti-vaccine protests against the government. Meanwhile, the key US-Canada Trade link has been clogged.

Key US-Canada Trade link clogged as demonstrating truckers show no sign of backing down

Truck drivers protesting in Canada continue to partially block the busy Ambassador Bridge linking the United States and Canada. The bridge is the busiest crossing, comprising 25% of annual trade between the two countries.

Truckers' protests block US-Canada trade bridge, to impact supply chains, economy

Justin Trudeau has asked the protesting anti-vax truckers to disband amid reports of violence in the Canadian capital. The 'Freedom Convoy' has started inspiring similar protests in New Zealand and Australia. Palki Sharma tells you how Trudeau's failed response has emboldened anti-vaxxers.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Trudeau tweets from his secret hide-out amid trucker protest

Inspired by Canada protests, hundreds of people on Tuesday blocked roads outside New Zealand's parliament against vaccine mandates and restrictions applied in the country. Most protestors were unmasked and held placards calling for freedom.

Protestors block streets against vaccine mandates in New Zealand

Truckers paralyzing the Canadian capital in anger at Covid rules showed no sign of backing down Tuesday, as several of the nation's provinces announced it was time to roll back restrictions that count among the world's toughest.

With authorities struggling to bring the protest movement to heel, Saskatchewan in the country's west said Tuesday it was ready to lift all pandemic restrictions, with Quebec and Alberta also signalling plans to ease measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-tragic-who-reports-130-million-cases-and-500000-deaths-linked-to-omicron-451604" hreflang="en">'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron</a>

In the capital, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- who a day earlier issued a stern warning the protests "had to stop" -- appeared to shift tone, saying he understood "how frustrated everyone is" and that "the time is coming when we will be able to relax."

"We're all sick and tired of restrictions, of mandates, of having to make sacrifices," Trudeau said, adding, however, that vaccine mandates were the "way to avoid further restrictions."

The so-called "Freedom Convoy" began in January in western Canada -- launched in anger at the requirements that truckers either be vaccinated or test and isolate, when crossing the US-Canadian border.

Having snowballed into an occupation of the Canadian capital, the protest has sparked solidarity rallies across the nation and abroad, and by Tuesday had forced the temporary closure of a key US border bridge, the busiest international land-border crossing in North America.

Amid a state of emergency in Ottawa, federal police have deployed among demonstrators waving Canadian flags and anti-Trudeau placards in protests now in their second week and fast becoming a rallying cry for far-right and anti-vaccine groups.

Briefing reporters Tuesday, Ottawa Deputy Police Chief Steve Bell said his agents had made 22 arrests to date.

"Our message to demonstrators remains the same: Don't come. And if you do, there will be consequences," he said.

'Fed up'&nbsp;

Under light snowfall, the truckers have been warming themselves by open pit fires and playing street hockey.

Since a court-ordered their incessant loud honking to stop, they have turned instead to revving the engines of their big rigs.

Police say some of the truckers have brought their children, making any evacuation more complex -- especially as some have removed their tires and others have modified their brakes to immobilise their trucks.

Protester Martin Desforges, 46, told AFP he was determined to stay "until the end," which organizers said would come only when all pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-canada-new-zealand-truckers-protest-against-covid-vaccine-mandates-block-parliament-451554" hreflang="en">After Canada, New Zealand truckers protest against Covid vaccine mandates, block parliament</a>

"I'm against wearing a mask, all distancing measures and restaurant closures," he said.

"Getting vaccinated should be a decision between a person and their doctor," echoed fellow protester John Hawley-Wight, "not the government."

More than 80 per cent of Canadians aged five and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

"We're all fed up," said Francois Legault, premier of Quebec province, which announced it would lift most Covid restrictions by mid-March, with hospitalizations now trending downward.

"Right now, we can take a calculated risk and finally turn the page," he said.

Saskatchewan and Alberta announced a lifting in coming weeks of Covid restrictions, including requiring testing or proof of vaccine status for businesses and public venues -- saying the "policy has run its course."

'Living in fear'&nbsp;

From the original opposition to vaccine requirements, the trucker movement has morphed into a broader protest against Covid-related restrictions and Trudeau's Liberal government and put a spotlight on pandemic curbs around the world.

US and Canadian business groups on Tuesday demanded protesters end their blockade of the vital Ambassador Bridge trade route connecting Ontario province and the US state of Michigan.

"We cannot allow any group to undermine the cross-border trade that supports families on both sides of the border," said a joint statement.

Another key US-Canada trade link has also been clogged by protestors for several days, with Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra warning a prolonged blockade "will have serious implications on our economy, on our supply chain."

Watch |&nbsp;Key US-Canada Trade link clogged as demonstrating truckers show no sign of backing down

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/key-us-canada-trade-link-clogged-as-demonstrating-truckers-show-no-sign-of-backing-down-451619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Inspired by the Canada protests, a convoy of trucks and campervans blocked streets near New Zealand's parliament in Wellington Tuesday to protest against Covid measures, while calls have multiplied on social media for similar rallies in Europe and the United States.

The truckers have received US support, including from former president Donald Trump, while at home, according to a Leger poll, 44 per cent of vaccinated Canadians sympathise with their "concerns and frustrations."

That does not include everyone in Ottawa, however.

"In a democracy, everyone has the right to have a different opinion and the right to express it," Cedric Boyer, 48, a Frenchman living in the capital, told AFP.&nbsp;

"It's the moment when some people's freedom infringes on others'" that there's a problem, he added.

Truckers paralyzing the Canadian capital in anger at Covid rules showed no sign of backing down Tuesday, as several of the nation's provinces announced it was time to roll back restrictions that count among the world's toughest.

Truckers paralyzing the Canadian capital in anger at Covid rules showed no sign of backing down Tuesday, as several of the nation's provinces announced it was time to roll back restrictions that count among the world's toughest. With authorities struggling to bring the protest movement to heel, Saskatchewan in the country's west said Tuesday it was ready to lift all pandemic restrictions, with Quebec and Alberta also signalling plans to ease measures. Also read | 'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron In the capital, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- who a day earlier issued a stern warning the protests "had to stop" -- appeared to shift tone, saying he understood "how frustrated everyone is" and that "the time is coming when we will be able to relax." "We're all sick and tired of restrictions, of mandates, of having to make sacrifices," Trudeau said, adding, however, that vaccine mandates were the "way to avoid further restrictions." The so-called "Freedom Convoy" began in January in western Canada -- launched in anger at the requirements that truckers either be vaccinated or test and isolate, when crossing the US-Canadian border. Having snowballed into an occupation of the Canadian capital, the protest has sparked solidarity rallies across the nation and abroad, and by Tuesday had forced the temporary closure of a key US border bridge, the busiest international land-border crossing in North America. Amid a state of emergency in Ottawa, federal police have deployed among demonstrators waving Canadian flags and anti-Trudeau placards in protests now in their second week and fast becoming a rallying cry for far-right and anti-vaccine groups. Briefing reporters Tuesday, Ottawa Deputy Police Chief Steve Bell said his agents had made 22 arrests to date. "Our message to demonstrators remains the same: Don't come. And if you do, there will be consequences," he said. 'Fed up' Under light snowfall, the truckers have been warming themselves by open pit fires and playing street hockey. Since a court-ordered their incessant loud honking to stop, they have turned instead to revving the engines of their big rigs. Police say some of the truckers have brought their children, making any evacuation more complex -- especially as some have removed their tires and others have modified their brakes to immobilise their trucks. Protester Martin Desforges, 46, told AFP he was determined to stay "until the end," which organizers said would come only when all pandemic restrictions were lifted. Also read | After Canada, New Zealand truckers protest against Covid vaccine mandates, block parliament "I'm against wearing a mask, all distancing measures and restaurant closures," he said. "Getting vaccinated should be a decision between a person and their doctor," echoed fellow protester John Hawley-Wight, "not the government." More than 80 per cent of Canadians aged five and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. "We're all fed up," said Francois Legault, premier of Quebec province, which announced it would lift most Covid restrictions by mid-March, with hospitalizations now trending downward. "Right now, we can take a calculated risk and finally turn the page," he said. Saskatchewan and Alberta announced a lifting in coming weeks of Covid restrictions, including requiring testing or proof of vaccine status for businesses and public venues -- saying the "policy has run its course." 'Living in fear' From the original opposition to vaccine requirements, the trucker movement has morphed into a broader protest against Covid-related restrictions and Trudeau's Liberal government and put a spotlight on pandemic curbs around the world. US and Canadian business groups on Tuesday demanded protesters end their blockade of the vital Ambassador Bridge trade route connecting Ontario province and the US state of Michigan. "We cannot allow any group to undermine the cross-border trade that supports families on both sides of the border," said a joint statement. Another key US-Canada trade link has also been clogged by protestors for several days, with Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra warning a prolonged blockade "will have serious implications on our economy, on our supply chain." Watch | Key US-Canada Trade link clogged as demonstrating truckers show no sign of backing down Inspired by the Canada protests, a convoy of trucks and campervans blocked streets near New Zealand's parliament in Wellington Tuesday to protest against Covid measures, while calls have multiplied on social media for similar rallies in Europe and the United States. The truckers have received US support, including from former president Donald Trump, while at home, according to a Leger poll, 44 per cent of vaccinated Canadians sympathise with their "concerns and frustrations." That does not include everyone in Ottawa, however. "In a democracy, everyone has the right to have a different opinion and the right to express it," Cedric Boyer, 48, a Frenchman living in the capital, told AFP. "It's the moment when some people's freedom infringes on others'" that there's a problem, he added.

As trucker protests intensify, Canada's provinces move to ease Covid rules

After Canada's capital Ottawa declared a state of emergency, police authorities have now seen thousands of liters of fuel and have removed the oil tankers as part of a crackdown to end an 11 day old protest against COVID-19 mandates. The freedom convoy consisting of truckers mainly started as a movement against a Canadian vaccine requirement for cross-border drivers.

Canadian police cracks down on truckers, warned against honking

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday emerged from isolation and asserted that the truckers' protest had to stop. He also took to Twitter and wrote that Canadians have the right to protest, disagree with their government, and make their voices heard. But, they can't interfere with the country's economy, democracy, or fellow citizens’ daily lives.

PM Trudeau demands for an end to truckers' protest in Canada

A state of emergency has been declared in Ottawa. The city's mayor says, protests have gone 'out of control'. GoFundMe has blocked $10 million raised as donations for the protesters. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has slammed the platform for 'double standards'. Palki Sharma gets you a report

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Elon Musk shows support to Canadian Truckers

In the ongoing protest in Ottawa, the truckers have been ordered to stop honking the horns. The protest has snarled up the city. &nbsp;

The protesters have been using loud and constant blare of truck horns in the protest to get attention. The movement has been started against the vaccine mandates in Canada. &nbsp;

Judge Hugh McLean has now ordered the horns to be silenced for the next 10 days. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/does-paracetamols-use-pose-any-risk-study-makes-the-striking-revelation-451403" hreflang="en">Does paracetamol’s use pose any risk? Study makes the striking revelation</a>

In Monday's ruling, Justice McLean said, "Tooting a horn is not an expression of any great thought I'm aware of." &nbsp;

It can be seen as an interim victory to residents. &nbsp;

The honking by around 400 to 500 trucks had been giving sleepless nights to the local people and business owners, sparking anger. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1200-year-old-pub-shutters-over-covid-induced-issues-in-uk-451375" hreflang="en">1,200-year-old pub shutters over Covid-induced issues in UK</a>

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is currently isolating himself after testing positive for coronavirus, has called the actions of the protesters an "insult to truth and memory". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Through an open letter to Trudeau on Monday, Ottawa's mayor asked for an urgent deployment of 1,800 law enforcement officers to end the "aggressive and hateful occupation". &nbsp;

Mayor Jim Watson wrote, "People are living in fear and terrified - and they've now been subjected to the non-stop honking of large trucks for nine days, which is tantamount to psychological warfare." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the ongoing protest in Ottawa, the truckers have been ordered to stop honking the horns. The protest has snarled up the city. The protesters have been using loud and constant blare of truck horns in the protest to get attention.

In the ongoing protest in Ottawa, the truckers have been ordered to stop honking the horns. The protest has snarled up the city. The protesters have been using loud and constant blare of truck horns in the protest to get attention. The movement has been started against the vaccine mandates in Canada. Judge Hugh McLean has now ordered the horns to be silenced for the next 10 days. Also Read: Does paracetamol’s use pose any risk? Study makes the striking revelation In Monday's ruling, Justice McLean said, "Tooting a horn is not an expression of any great thought I'm aware of." It can be seen as an interim victory to residents. The honking by around 400 to 500 trucks had been giving sleepless nights to the local people and business owners, sparking anger. Also Read: 1,200-year-old pub shutters over Covid-induced issues in UK Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is currently isolating himself after testing positive for coronavirus, has called the actions of the protesters an "insult to truth and memory". Through an open letter to Trudeau on Monday, Ottawa's mayor asked for an urgent deployment of 1,800 law enforcement officers to end the "aggressive and hateful occupation". Mayor Jim Watson wrote, "People are living in fear and terrified - and they've now been subjected to the non-stop honking of large trucks for nine days, which is tantamount to psychological warfare." (With inputs from agencies)

No honking please! Canada’s judge ‘silences’ truckers protest, brings relief to residents

The mayor of the Canadian capital Ottawa imposed a state of national emergency amid the truckers protest over Covid-19 vaccine mandate. According to the Mayor Jim Watson, the state of emergency is aimed at dealing with the unprecedented protests.

Canada: Ottawa declares state of emergency as truckers protest escalates

Trucker's dead protest against covid-19 mandates in Canada has entered its 10th day. Protests have left the Canadian capital paralyzed with much of the core of Ottawa shut down. Ottowa mayor has declared a state of emergency to deal with unprecedented protest.

Canada: Day 10 of anti covid-19 mandate protests, state of emergency declared in Ottawa

In Canada the tucker's protest is growing in size and in strength. The demonstrations that initially began as peaceful protests against the coronavirus mandate in Ottawa are now threatening to spread to other Canadian cities like Toronto and Quebec over the weekend.

Canada truckers' protest against COVID mandates enters the second week

The protests against Covid 19 mandates in Canada have entered the second week and in the last 14 days, the Canada truckers protest has only grown in size and strength.

Canada: Hundreds rally against the Covid 19 vaccine mandates in Toronto

Thousands of protesters across Canada took to the streets Saturday for the second weekend in a row, snarling traffic, disrupting business and residential neighborhoods and leading police to compare the demonstrations to a “siege” on the nation’s democracy.

What began last month with truckers complaining about mandated vaccines for crossing the border from the United States has grown into a catchall movement for a variety of anti-government causes, laying bare deep resentments within Canada’s political right.

While police and officials braced for rowdy crowds and potential violence, the atmosphere of the demonstrations by Saturday evening, though boisterous, remained mostly peaceful and festive.

But police in Ottawa, the capital, admitted they were overwhelmed by the crowds and warned that the noisy and disruptive protests posed a real threat.

“This is a siege. It is something that is different in our democracy than I’ve ever experienced in my life,” said Peter Sloly, chief of the Ottawa Police. “We do not have sufficient resources to adequately and effectively address this situation,” while tending to routine policing, he added.

In Ottawa, despite frigid temperatures, a band performed on the street in front of Parliament Hill underneath a Canadian flag dangling from a large construction crane. Nearby, several inflatable bouncy castles were set up, and makeshift canteens throughout downtown dispensed food.

While there were no serious injuries or uncontrolled violence associated with the demonstrations over the past week, they have nevertheless paralyzed Ottawa’s downtown core with traffic, noise and complaints of harassment.

“I’m receiving hundreds — and I’m not exaggerating — hundreds of emails telling me: ‘I went out to get groceries, I got yelled at, I got harassed. I got followed down the street, I’m so afraid that I can’t go out,’” Catherine McKenney, the city councilor for the area, said Thursday afternoon.

The Ottawa Police said on Twitter on Saturday that they had received 400 calls related to the demonstrations since they began, resulting in 50 investigations and four people being charged.

Throughout the area, many businesses have been closed for days, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in lost sales. Those that have remained open have struggled to enforce provincial mask rules.

About 200 to 250 trucks remained downtown from last Saturday’s demonstration, their drivers frequently honking their air horns. Supporters have been delivering diesel fuel to the truckers, who have stacked firewood in parks and built a small wooden canteen building next to a canal that serves as a popular skating rink in the winter.

Many residents of downtown Ottawa have turned their frustrations on the city’s police for not aggressively shutting down the protests.

Workers blocked some major roads downtown with concrete barriers Friday as part of a new “surge and contain strategy” that Chief Peter Sloly of the Ottawa Police announced. “The surge will deliver a clear message to the demonstrators: The lawlessness must end,” he said. “Our goal is to end the demonstrations.”

In Toronto, dozens of cars, pickup trucks and heavy trucks were parked along the city’s high-end shopping district downtown by midday, north of the closed-off legislature building area, with sounds of horns and shouts of “freedom” ringing out. Protesters held up signs of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and used hockey sticks as flagpoles for Canadian flags and Gadsden flags.

The Toronto Police announced that they had arrested one man for assault with a weapon, and told the public to steer clear of the demonstrations.

Corey Ley, owner of a landscape construction company, drove from his home in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region about 85 miles northeast of Toronto to attend Saturday’s demonstration with his wife, two children and two friends. Ley said they packed plenty of provisions to remain at the site, including food, fuel and water. “I’m here until whenever, as long as it takes,” said Ley, who said he wanted proof-of-vaccination and mask policies to be optional rather mandated.

In Quebec City, dozens of tractor-trailer cabs were parked two deep for three blocks along one of the major arteries through the downtown area, adjacent to the provincial legislature. Thousands of people lined the sidewalks, cheering on truckers as they arrived or drove past, and a large crowd gathered in front of the legislature, dancing and trying to stay warm as they listened to a series of speakers.

David LeBlanc, a biologist from Matapédia, said it was time for the government to lift pandemic restrictions. “Our children are impacted,” he said. “My son is 18 years old. He could not have a trip with his friends at high school. He could not get in the bar to have fun with his friends.”

Bruno Marchand, the city’s mayor, said Friday that he had confidence in the police’s ability to keep order, noting that the city deals with 100 protests a year.

“If they have a cause they have to do it respectfully. This is the only way to be listened to and understood,” he told reporters. “Otherwise, police officers will have to do their jobs.”

Truck convoys of varying sizes congregated in protest near provincial legislatures in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. A group of truckers continued to block a border crossing to the United States in Alberta. Counterprotesters laid on streets to block a truck convoy as it entered Vancouver, British Columbia.

Through GoFundMe, some of the organizers of the truck convoy raised 10 million Canadian dollars, about $7.8 million, but the online service has only turned over about C$1 million of that. On Friday evening, it said in a statement that after speaking with police, it would not release any more of the money.

“We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity,” GoFundMe said.

Thousands of protesters across Canada took to the streets Saturday for the second weekend in a row, snarling traffic, disrupting business and residential neighborhoods and leading police to compare the demonstrations to a “siege” on the nation’s democracy.

Thousands of protesters across Canada took to the streets Saturday for the second weekend in a row, snarling traffic, disrupting business and residential neighborhoods and leading police to compare the demonstrations to a “siege” on the nation’s democracy. What began last month with truckers complaining about mandated vaccines for crossing the border from the United States has grown into a catchall movement for a variety of anti-government causes, laying bare deep resentments within Canada’s political right. While police and officials braced for rowdy crowds and potential violence, the atmosphere of the demonstrations by Saturday evening, though boisterous, remained mostly peaceful and festive. But police in Ottawa, the capital, admitted they were overwhelmed by the crowds and warned that the noisy and disruptive protests posed a real threat. “This is a siege. It is something that is different in our democracy than I’ve ever experienced in my life,” said Peter Sloly, chief of the Ottawa Police. “We do not have sufficient resources to adequately and effectively address this situation,” while tending to routine policing, he added. In Ottawa, despite frigid temperatures, a band performed on the street in front of Parliament Hill underneath a Canadian flag dangling from a large construction crane. Nearby, several inflatable bouncy castles were set up, and makeshift canteens throughout downtown dispensed food. While there were no serious injuries or uncontrolled violence associated with the demonstrations over the past week, they have nevertheless paralyzed Ottawa’s downtown core with traffic, noise and complaints of harassment. “I’m receiving hundreds — and I’m not exaggerating — hundreds of emails telling me: ‘I went out to get groceries, I got yelled at, I got harassed. I got followed down the street, I’m so afraid that I can’t go out,’” Catherine McKenney, the city councilor for the area, said Thursday afternoon. The Ottawa Police said on Twitter on Saturday that they had received 400 calls related to the demonstrations since they began, resulting in 50 investigations and four people being charged. Throughout the area, many businesses have been closed for days, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in lost sales. Those that have remained open have struggled to enforce provincial mask rules. About 200 to 250 trucks remained downtown from last Saturday’s demonstration, their drivers frequently honking their air horns. Supporters have been delivering diesel fuel to the truckers, who have stacked firewood in parks and built a small wooden canteen building next to a canal that serves as a popular skating rink in the winter. Many residents of downtown Ottawa have turned their frustrations on the city’s police for not aggressively shutting down the protests. Workers blocked some major roads downtown with concrete barriers Friday as part of a new “surge and contain strategy” that Chief Peter Sloly of the Ottawa Police announced. “The surge will deliver a clear message to the demonstrators: The lawlessness must end,” he said. “Our goal is to end the demonstrations.” In Toronto, dozens of cars, pickup trucks and heavy trucks were parked along the city’s high-end shopping district downtown by midday, north of the closed-off legislature building area, with sounds of horns and shouts of “freedom” ringing out. Protesters held up signs of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and used hockey sticks as flagpoles for Canadian flags and Gadsden flags. The Toronto Police announced that they had arrested one man for assault with a weapon, and told the public to steer clear of the demonstrations. Corey Ley, owner of a landscape construction company, drove from his home in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region about 85 miles northeast of Toronto to attend Saturday’s demonstration with his wife, two children and two friends. Ley said they packed plenty of provisions to remain at the site, including food, fuel and water. “I’m here until whenever, as long as it takes,” said Ley, who said he wanted proof-of-vaccination and mask policies to be optional rather mandated. In Quebec City, dozens of tractor-trailer cabs were parked two deep for three blocks along one of the major arteries through the downtown area, adjacent to the provincial legislature. Thousands of people lined the sidewalks, cheering on truckers as they arrived or drove past, and a large crowd gathered in front of the legislature, dancing and trying to stay warm as they listened to a series of speakers. David LeBlanc, a biologist from Matapédia, said it was time for the government to lift pandemic restrictions. “Our children are impacted,” he said. “My son is 18 years old. He could not have a trip with his friends at high school. He could not get in the bar to have fun with his friends.” Bruno Marchand, the city’s mayor, said Friday that he had confidence in the police’s ability to keep order, noting that the city deals with 100 protests a year. “If they have a cause they have to do it respectfully. This is the only way to be listened to and understood,” he told reporters. “Otherwise, police officers will have to do their jobs.” Truck convoys of varying sizes congregated in protest near provincial legislatures in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. A group of truckers continued to block a border crossing to the United States in Alberta. Counterprotesters laid on streets to block a truck convoy as it entered Vancouver, British Columbia. Through GoFundMe, some of the organizers of the truck convoy raised 10 million Canadian dollars, about $7.8 million, but the online service has only turned over about C$1 million of that. On Friday evening, it said in a statement that after speaking with police, it would not release any more of the money. “We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity,” GoFundMe said.

Truck protest against pandemic measures spreads across Canada

Canada truckers protest escalate: Police vow crackdown on protest

Canada's Freedom Convoy protest is growing in size & strength. Truckers have gridlocked Canada's capital Ottawa. The movement is no longer just about Covid restrictions but also against PM Justin Trudeau's leadership.

Thousands march on street of Ottawa, Sikh protesters join truckers

Canada's Truckers protest refuse to die down. Sikhs have joined truckers in demonstrations against the Canadian Govt. Canada's leader of Opposition Candice Bergen wants Justin Trudeau to apologise for derogating the motives of protesters. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Canada's Freedom Convoy grows in strength

Canada's trucker's stir set to intensify, protest set to expand to Toronto and Quebec

Thousands of truckers gathered in Canadian capital Ottawa to protest against Justin Trudaeu's vaccine mandate.

Canada: Military on standby in Ottawa as trucker protest continues

Canadian Conservative lawmakers ousted Erin O’Toole as leader. The party selected Candice Bergen, the Conservative’s deputy head, as interim leader.

Top Canadian opposition leader Erin O’Toole ousted

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau slammed protesters who have been holding rallies since Jan 29. While speaking from an undisclosed location Trudeau hit out at truckers for demanding an end to all COVID restrictions.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau slams protesters

Canada's Freedom Convoy protest is growing in size & strength. Truckers have gridlocked Canada's capital Ottawa. The movement is no longer just about Covid restrictions but also against PM Justin Trudeau's leadership. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Truckers protest turns into anti-Trudeau movement

Quebec, the Canadian province is scrapping a plan to tax adults who refuse Covid vaccination. State's premier Francois Legault announced this on Tuesday saying that the idea was too divisive.

The proposed measure for a special health contribution from adults who refuse vaccination was unveiled by Legault last month. He had said that those who chose to avoid inoculations should help cover the extra costs imposed on the health system by the coronavirus. Experts said the idea would go against the spirit of Canada's universal public health system.

Legault said he was worried about the divisions that COVID-19 and measures introduced to fight it had caused in Quebec, the second most populous of the 10 provinces.

"My role is to try to bring Quebecers together to stay united. This is why we won't go ahead with the health contribution," he told reporters. "I understand that this divides Quebecers and right now we need to build bridges."

Quebec and neighboring Ontario, which together account for around 61% of Canada's population, are starting to lift restrictions amid signs that the Omicron variant has peaked.

But experts in Ontario on Tuesday said this meant infections and hospitalizations linked to the variant would start rising.

Ontario removed some limits on businesses on Monday, allowing restaurants, malls, and cinemas to start operating with a 50% capacity. It plans to further relax curbs later in February and March.

A report by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said Omicron infections had peaked around Jan. 11, but relaxing the measures "will increase the spread of COVID-19."

The panel said "we expect hospitalizations to rebound after reopening on January 31, and to remain at a prolonged peak, except under the most favorable assumptions".

A spokesperson for Ontario's health minister said the province had sufficient hospital capacity to respond to the panel's projections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Quebec, the Canadian province is scrapping a plan to tax adults who refuse Covid vaccination. State's premier Francois Legault announced this on Tuesday saying that the idea was too divisive.

Quebec, the Canadian province is scrapping a plan to tax adults who refuse Covid vaccination. State's premier Francois Legault announced this on Tuesday saying that the idea was too divisive. The proposed measure for a special health contribution from adults who refuse vaccination was unveiled by Legault last month. He had said that those who chose to avoid inoculations should help cover the extra costs imposed on the health system by the coronavirus. Experts said the idea would go against the spirit of Canada's universal public health system. Legault said he was worried about the divisions that COVID-19 and measures introduced to fight it had caused in Quebec, the second most populous of the 10 provinces. "My role is to try to bring Quebecers together to stay united. This is why we won't go ahead with the health contribution," he told reporters. "I understand that this divides Quebecers and right now we need to build bridges." Quebec and neighboring Ontario, which together account for around 61% of Canada's population, are starting to lift restrictions amid signs that the Omicron variant has peaked. But experts in Ontario on Tuesday said this meant infections and hospitalizations linked to the variant would start rising. Ontario removed some limits on businesses on Monday, allowing restaurants, malls, and cinemas to start operating with a 50% capacity. It plans to further relax curbs later in February and March. A report by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said Omicron infections had peaked around Jan. 11, but relaxing the measures "will increase the spread of COVID-19." The panel said "we expect hospitalizations to rebound after reopening on January 31, and to remain at a prolonged peak, except under the most favorable assumptions". A spokesperson for Ontario's health minister said the province had sufficient hospital capacity to respond to the panel's projections. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Quebec ditches plan of levying new tax on unvaccinated people

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was not experiencing severe symptoms.

The 50-year-old leader -- who is vaccinated and boosted -- had announced last week he was isolating after being exposed to the coronavirus.

"This morning, I tested positive for Covid-19. I'm feeling fine -- and I'll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines," the premier wrote on Twitter Monday.

Trudeau, who received his third vaccine dose in January, urged Canadians to get vaccinated and boosted as the nation battles a rise in Covid cases and hospitalizations due to the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

The province of Ontario, where Trudeau lives in the Canadian capital Ottawa, requires people to isolate after a Covid exposure for 10 days if unvaccinated.

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is expected to start easing Covid restrictions from Monday, allowing restaurants, bars, sports venues and movie theaters to re-open.

Canada has recorded more than 2.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 33,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Ottawa was hit over the weekend by mass protests led by Canadian truckers opposed to vaccine mandates for crossing the Canada-US border.

Trudeau defended the vaccination mandate last week, noting that 90 percent of drivers are already vaccinated.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was not experiencing severe symptoms. The 50-year-old leader -- who is vaccinated and boosted -- had announced last week he was isolating after being exposed to the coronavirus.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was not experiencing severe symptoms. The 50-year-old leader -- who is vaccinated and boosted -- had announced last week he was isolating after being exposed to the coronavirus. "This morning, I tested positive for Covid-19. I'm feeling fine -- and I'll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines," the premier wrote on Twitter Monday. Trudeau, who received his third vaccine dose in January, urged Canadians to get vaccinated and boosted as the nation battles a rise in Covid cases and hospitalizations due to the Omicron variant. The province of Ontario, where Trudeau lives in the Canadian capital Ottawa, requires people to isolate after a Covid exposure for 10 days if unvaccinated. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is expected to start easing Covid restrictions from Monday, allowing restaurants, bars, sports venues and movie theaters to re-open. Canada has recorded more than 2.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 33,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Ottawa was hit over the weekend by mass protests led by Canadian truckers opposed to vaccine mandates for crossing the Canada-US border. Trudeau defended the vaccination mandate last week, noting that 90 percent of drivers are already vaccinated.

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Justin Trudeau and his family moved to an undisclosed location amid massive protests by anti-vax truckers. Netizens are reminding Trudeau of the time he lectured the Indian government on the farmers' protests. Has Trudeau forgotten his own advice? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Trudeau flees as protesting truckers besiege Ottawa

Beijing is grappling with a steady surge in Covid cases despite one of the largest Covid bubbles ever seen in the world days before beginning of the winter Olympics. Nearly 34 new Covid cases were detected in Olympics-related personnel.

Covid News: 34 new cases among Beijing Olympic-related personnel

Truckers' anti-vaccine protest continues in Canada, freedom convoy jams Ottawa

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family members were reportedly moved to a secret location amid political turmoil in the country.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the country's capital Ottawa on Sunday (January 30) to protest against Trudeau and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandates.&nbsp;

CBC reported citing sources that the Prime Minister, his wife and their children were relocated from their Ottawa home to the undisclosed location due to security concerns.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned a slight change in Trudeau's itinerary as usually, it states he is in Ottawa if he is at home. However, on Saturday it was changed to "National Capital Region".&nbsp;

Important to note that Trudeau was isolating after one of his kids tested Covid positive last week. He is working remotely.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-removes-non-essential-personnel-from-embassy-in-ukraine-449070">Canada removes non-essential personnel from embassy in Ukraine</a>

The protest, deemed "Freedom Convoy" of trucks was joined by thousands of demonstrators in Ottawa&nbsp;for a second day Sunday. Other sympathetic truckers blocked a border highway into the United States.&nbsp;

The protest originated last week in western Canada, where dozens of truckers organised a convoy to drive from Vancouver to the Canadian capital to demonstrate against Covid-related restrictions.

The demonstrations were particularly against a recent vaccination requirement for truck drivers crossing the long US-Canada border.&nbsp;

Trucks remained parked on the streets near parliament and some truckers said they would not leave until the mandate was overturned. On Monday (January 31), lawmakers are due to resume work after the holiday break.

For the unversed, about 90 per cent&nbsp;of Canada's cross-border truckers and almost 79 per cent&nbsp;of the population has had two COVID-19 vaccine shots.

Canada is now in the middle of a spike in Omicron variant cases that is straining hospitals.

WATCH |&nbsp;Canadian PM Justin Trudeau keeps mum on trucker protest in Ottawa

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(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family members were reportedly moved to a secret location amid political turmoil in the country. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the country's capital Ottawa on Sunday (January 30) to protest against Trudeau and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandates.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family members were reportedly moved to a secret location amid political turmoil in the country. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the country's capital Ottawa on Sunday (January 30) to protest against Trudeau and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandates. CBC reported citing sources that the Prime Minister, his wife and their children were relocated from their Ottawa home to the undisclosed location due to security concerns. Reports have mentioned a slight change in Trudeau's itinerary as usually, it states he is in Ottawa if he is at home. However, on Saturday it was changed to "National Capital Region". Important to note that Trudeau was isolating after one of his kids tested Covid positive last week. He is working remotely. ALSO READ | Canada removes non-essential personnel from embassy in Ukraine The protest, deemed "Freedom Convoy" of trucks was joined by thousands of demonstrators in Ottawa for a second day Sunday. Other sympathetic truckers blocked a border highway into the United States. The protest originated last week in western Canada, where dozens of truckers organised a convoy to drive from Vancouver to the Canadian capital to demonstrate against Covid-related restrictions. The demonstrations were particularly against a recent vaccination requirement for truck drivers crossing the long US-Canada border. Trucks remained parked on the streets near parliament and some truckers said they would not leave until the mandate was overturned. On Monday (January 31), lawmakers are due to resume work after the holiday break. For the unversed, about 90 per cent of Canada's cross-border truckers and almost 79 per cent of the population has had two COVID-19 vaccine shots. Canada is now in the middle of a spike in Omicron variant cases that is straining hospitals. WATCH | Canadian PM Justin Trudeau keeps mum on trucker protest in Ottawa × (With inputs from agencies)

Where is Justin Trudeau? Canadian PM moved to a secret location amid protests

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