By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service
(Eagle News) — With no sign that protesters in a truck convoy are ready to leave Canada’s capital after nine days of demonstrations, the mayor of Ottawa, Canada has declared a state of emergency.
“Declaring a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” Mayor Jim Wilson said Sunday in a statement.
For more than a week now, residents of the Canadian capital have had to endure the constant noise from honking horns, loud music and fireworks.
Dubbed the Freedom Convoy, the protest originally began to oppose the government’s requirement that cross-border truckers transporting good to and from the U.S be fully vaccinated.
It has now evolved to include all public health measures which the demonstrators say the government must eliminate before they will pack up and go home.
Wilson and others say the protest has turned into an occupation of the downtown core and nearby neighborhoods.
More police enforcement
There have been scores of reports of protesters harassing downtown businesses, residents and media covering the disruption. Many businesses have shut down as a result.
Vandalism has also been a problem.
Police are stepping up enforcement.
As of midnight Sunday, truck drivers will not be allowed to refuel their parked vehicles.
Police say anyone bringing in fuel or any other material supports for the demonstrators could be arrested.
Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly has repeatedly said his department does not have enough resources to handle the situation on its own, adding he cannot predict when the demonstration will end.
Ottawa city council is scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss the situation.
Class action suit against organizers
Freedom Convoy organizers and some individual protesters could face legal action.
A class action lawsuit has been filed seeking CA$9.8 million in damages.
The plaintiffs are asking for CA$4.8 for private nuisance and another CA$5 million in punitive damages.
The statement of claim says the constant noise has caused significant mental distress, suffering and torment to the plaintiff and proposed class members.
As Ottawa citizens wake up to a new work week tomorrow, they will see little change.
City hall is advising them that the demonstrations will continue, snarling traffic and disrupting other services.
Ottawa City Hall will remain closed.
People are being advised to avoid the downtown core.
(Eagle News Service)