Ottawa police arrest soldiers against vaccination after marching into the city

OTTAWA — Conservative leader candidate Pierre Poilievre in the capital Remarks against the COVID-19 vaccine requirements that caused the promise and fear of a new wave of protests.

James Topp was charged in February with two acts of order and disciplined prejudice against uniformed comments, and has been marching for four months since then. Has led. The capital from Vancouver.

His march involved a "free convoy" that roared downtown Ottawa for weeks until police used force to end what they and the government described as illegal occupation. Has been supported by many of the same people who did.

Residents are at stake due to his arrival in the capital and promises of new protests beginning on Canada Day. Mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson and Mayor of Ottawa Steve Bell have promised to crack down on illegal activity.

Poilievre is a parking lot in a strip mall west of downtown Ottawa, 2 About 30 minutes after the person met just before noon, I walked with Topp. Hundreds of people gathered there to meet the army's reserve army.

The video of the conference was "Free Canadians" when Poilievre opposed the mandatory vaccine and then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker signed the Canadians. The 1960 Encyclopedia of Rights shows that it cites a famous citation to Topp about being.

When Topp said he wanted reinstatement and compensation for those who lost their jobs due to mandatory vaccines, Poilievre replied: There is no doubt about their work, it.

The two also talked about the division within Canada, Poilievre said: "People are anxious for hope ... I think it's time to restore this country, heal its wounds, and reunite our country."

Poilievre is west of downtown Ottawa. At the strip mall parking lot in Ottawa, we walked with Topp for about 30 minutes after the two met just before noon. Hundreds of people gathered there to meet the army's reserve army.

The video of the conference was "Free Canadians" when Poilievre opposed the mandatory vaccine and then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker signed the Canadians. The 1960 Encyclopedia of Rights shows that it cites a famous citation to Topp about being.

When Topp said he wanted reinstatement and compensation for those who lost their jobs due to mandatory vaccines, Poilievre replied: There is no doubt about their work, it.

The two also talked about the division within Canada, Poilievre said: "People are anxious for hope. I think it's time to restore this country, heal its wounds, and reunite it."

After that, about 200 supporters followed. Many had the Canadian flag and some sports camouflaged backpacks and other equipment.

A few hours later, hundreds of people gathered in a park south of downtown Ottawa along the Rideau Canal for the final stretch to the National War Memorial. Long lines of marchers along the length of the park, including at least one in black armored vests, were eagerly waiting for the army's reserves to start things.

At one point, the crowd accused General Wayne Eyre of ordering men in military berets and civilian clothing to be fully vaccinated against all members of the Canadian Army. I was treated by the speech I made. Members of the crowd booed out loud.

Topp supporters lined up to wave, hug, and take selfies. The crowd regularly chanted his name. He asked them to act with honor and dignity while they continued their "closing ceremony" at the War Memorial.

Marchers of all ages, including some children, shouted "freedom." When they left the park and started heading downtown. The "Freedom" call was a staple of protests that clogged Ottawa in January and February.

The crowds gathered in downtown Ottawa shouted loudly and erupted with the chant of "freedom" when Topp arrived Thursday night.

Poilievre appeared in Topp after conservative leadership front runners were accused of being comfortable without being shy by anti-vaccine protesters and other groups related to "Freedom Convoy". This is because of the fact.

Tamara Lich, the leader of the convoy that gridlocked Ottawa in February, temporarily appeared in court on Thursday after allegedly violating one of the bail conditions. Faced with multiple charges, including mischief and police obstruction, Lich will continue to be detained until Tuesday's bail hearing.

Many marchers refused the interview, saying they didn't believe their words wouldn't be twisted.

But among the hundreds of people marching along the Rideau Canal to downtown Ottawa, Richard Jarveys, who lives in Ottawa, called the top "inspiration for all of us." ..

"Here he is the most peaceful, the most wonderful and the most decent person you might want to meet, and he claims to walk all over Canada," he said. Added.

Gervais said his adult son was one of the hundreds of federal civil servants who were forced to take unpaid leave due to refusal to vaccinate.

After that, the requirement was suspended, but "I don't know when he will come back," Gervais said. "And we know that it can come back with the flimsy excuses."

He has the severity and vaccine of COVID-19. He accused the World Economic Forum of trying to take Canada's sovereignty, questioning its effectiveness. All of these claims are evident in the discourse surrounding "Freedom Convoy".

The top said there were no plans to lead the occupation of the capital and urged Ottawa police to work with him to promote the procession throughout the city.

However, in a recent video posted on YouTube, the organizers of a group called Veteran 4 Freedom set up a semi-permanent camp called "Camp Eagle" east of Ottawa during the summer. The city all the time.

Since then, police have been able to prevent similar protests from hijacking the city, but stopping the planned demonstrations during Canada Day from getting out of hand is a holiday. It can be complicated by the presence of thousands of people celebrating. The accusations against

Topp are related to two videos posted online in the winter, where military reserves have uniform vaccination requirements for military personnel and other federal personnel. I'm criticizing.

Members of the Canadian Army are severely restricted from commenting while wearing uniforms, especially when criticizing government policy, primarily to protect the army from perceptions of politics.

His lawyer argued that such restrictions should not apply to policies that personally affect military members.

Thursday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said police are responsible for keeping people safe at Canada Day celebrations, and Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford respects the law in Ottawa. I called on people who were willing to protest.

"I'm all in favor of peaceful protests and you can demonstrate, but this weekend there's no Shenanigan. Just be peaceful and in Ottawa Let people enjoy the weekend, "he said.

"Honestly, you shouldn't experience this. Unfortunately, that's exactly what it is."

"Freedom Convoy" at Parliament Hill last week So, more than 20 Conservatives invited Topp and other key figures to pose for the photo, promise support, and listen to a talk about the dangers of COVID-19. vaccination.

Health Canada only approves domestic use of vaccines that meet strict safety, efficacy and quality standards, and the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine continue to outweigh the risk of this disease. It states that it is. About 85% of Canadians take at least one dose.

Topp is partly to abolish all vaccine obligations and to demand the reinstatement of those who have lost their jobs due to such requirements and compensation for lost wages. I told the MP that I was marching.

At the same time, he and others raised the ghost of the civil war in explaining the state of the country.

— Use files from Sarah Ritchie