Ottawa Trucker Protest

The trucker blockade protest in downtown Ottawa, in other cities, and in strategic road locations across the country, have left many perplexed, wondering what to make of it all.  We hear slogans for “freedom”, and “end all vaccination mandates”.  The government and the mainstream media demonize or at least report a negative slant.  Others who personally investigate and show their forays into the crowds on social media, report a convivial atmosphere.

Authorities are stepping up enforcement of Municipal Law and Provincial law, such offenses under the Motor Vehicle Act.  A Judge has granted a “no-horn blowing” injunction for 10 days.  The City of Ottawa has invoked “emergency powers” to permit crowd control and directives beyond normal rules. 

The Prime Minister has been absent from the scene but finally made some comments in the House of Commons on Monday Feb 7, 2022.  There was no “olive branch” signal from him for any form of negotiation.

Leader of the Official Opposition, Candice Bergen, sent the following letter to the Prime Minister.

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The Right Honourable Justin P.G. Trudeau,

P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada

80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON KIA 0A6

Dear Prime Minister.

I hope you and your family are feeling well and are fully recovered.

I am writing to ask for a meeting with you and the other party leaders so that we can come together to discuss how we can de-escalate the protests, to take the temperature down and to help find solutions that will allow the good people of Ottawa to get back to their lives and businesses. Canadians want and need a peaceful resolution to this impasse.

It is rime to de-politicize the response to the pandemic. Canadians across the country have come together, made sacrifices, and done what is necessary to keep their families and communities safe. Canadians were encouraged to hear Dr. Tam say that we need to find a more "sustainable" way of dealing with the pandemic. She further recommended that all existing public health policies be "re-examined" with provinces and territories so that we can "get back to some normalcy." This is a message of hope that many Canadians have been waiting for.

As you know, leadership is about listening. Canadians are looking for leaders to provide certainty, hope, and a pathway out of the pandemic. Instead, your comments last week have been dismissive about a "fringe" with "unacceptable views", and since then, you have been largely absent.

The federal party leaders have a responsibility to help our country and our frustrated citizens. It is my sincere hope that we can show leadership by coming together to talk about solutions, to follow the science rather than the politics when it comes to mandates.

We can deliver a message of hope for the millions of Canadians who are frustrated and want to return to their normal lives.

I hope you can find time to meet. I look forward to working with you and the other party leaders.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Candice Bergen, P.C., M.P.

 Leader of the Official Opposition

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The present trajectory of enforcement escalation, no negotiation and growing resentment, may unfold to tragic ends.  There is the unpredictable possibly of spontaneous protest across Canada, especially around Provincial Capital Buildings and strategic roadways.  Let us hope that those responsible will find a way to peace and order.