Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says nobody wants a planned anti-vaccination protest on Parliament Hill this weekend to turn into a violent attempt to overthrow the government and warned people not to dismiss the protesters as simple freedom fighters.
Several thousand people are expected in Ottawa as early as Friday as part of the Canada Unity group demanding an end to vaccine mandates and COVID-19 restrictions.
Some of the group’s leaders are calling for a peaceful event, but statements from some associated with the group have included threats of violence. Read more: O’Toole to meet with trucker convoy in Ottawa, disavows ‘extremist elements’ Mendicino said multiple police forces, including the Ottawa Police Service, RCMP and Parliamentary Protective Service, are co-ordinating the response and are making decisions independent of any government involvement.
Ottawa police warned Thursday they won’t tolerate criminal behaviour. “Police and our partners are focused on providing a safe environment for the community and demonstrators,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement on Twitter. “We are aware of inappropriate and threatening language on social media related to this event.