Toronto, January 30: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family were moved from their residence to a secret location amid security concerns, as thousands poured into the Canadian capital to protest vaccine mandates for truckers and other public health restrictions.
The “Freedom Convoy” began as a protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for truckers who travel over the US-Canada border. However, it has since turned into a massive—though currently peaceful—protest against a variety of public health measures.
Protestors compared vaccine mandates to fascism: one truck carried a Confederate flag and many carried expletive-laden signs targeting Trudeau. Following this, PM and his family were moved to an undisclosed location in the nation’s capital.
During the protest, some parked on the grounds of the National War Memorial and danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, others carried signs and flags with swastikas and some used the statue of Canadian hero Terry Fox to display an anti-vaccine statement, sparking widespread condemnation.
General Wayne Eyre, Canada’s chief of the Defense Staff, tweeted, “I am sickened to see protesters dance on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and desecrate the National War Memorial. Generations of Canadians have fought and died for our rights, including free speech, but not this. Those involved should hang their heads in shame.”
I am sickened to see protesters dance on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and desecrate the National War Memorial. Generations of Canadians have fought and died for our rights, including free speech, but not this. Those involved should hang their heads in shame.
— General / Général Wayne Eyre (@CDS_Canada_CEMD) January 29, 2022
