Friday, March 29, 2024

‘Unacceptable’: Victoria mayor says latest ‘Freedom Convoy’ protest infringed on people’s safety 

Share

Victoria’s mayor is condemning some protesters, saying they promoted hate and went a step too far during last weekend’s ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests.

On January 29th, thousands of people lined local streets and gathered on the Legislature lawn as a convoy of vehicles brought traffic to a crawl.

With more planned for this Saturday, February 5th, Mayor Lisa Helps is pleading with locals to respect “already struggling and much-loved local businesses.”

“My request is that this weekend’s protests respect the values of our city and do not promote hate…” Helps said.

In a Friday statement, Helps notes some people involved with the latest protests “went beyond the right to peacefully gather” while “infringing on the well-being and safety of others.”

“We’ve received reports of homes with ‘We HEART Healthcare Workers’ signs being egged, people using anti-Semitic and racist language, and people violating public health orders – entering businesses without masks – putting employees at risk,” she said.

According to Helps, Victoria is a welcoming and inclusive city, noting this kind of behaviour is “unacceptable.”

As the capital city, Helps says officials expect protests to occur and people to exercise their democratic right to gather and express their views.

Saturday’s protests are expected to begin around 6:45 a.m., as a group leaves Campbell River first thing in the morning and weaves its way down Vancouver Island until reaching Victoria.

SEE MORE: Another ‘Island Convoy’ is planned for Vancouver Island this weekend

Once in Victoria, the group suggests they will loop around the city a couple of times before parking and gathering at the parliament building at 11:30 a.m.

The ‘Freedom Convoy’ began in response to the federal government’s vaccine mandate for Canadian cross-border essential workers, including truckers, requiring proof of vaccination to avoid quarantining after returning to Canada.

VicPD say they’ve deployed temporary CCTV cameras in public spaces to ensure public safety during the weekend protests.

They also warn drivers of traffic disruptions in the area near the BC Legislature this weekend due to the protests.

“Safe, peaceful, lawful protest is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Dangerous and/or unlawful acts will be de-escalated and addressed through enforcement,” VicPD warned in a statement.

Read more

Latest Stories