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OTTAWA (mocs.news.com) – Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency for the city last Sunday, citing the need for additional governmental support amid COVID-19 protests.
The protests, which have since sparked similar demonstrations in other parts of the globe, began in late January when truck drivers and other citizens began blocking off Ottawa roads, striking against the country’s COVID-19 protocols.
Mayor Watson is calling for the emergency funds to assist police and front-line forces in dispersing the crowds.
“Clearly, we are out-numbered and we are losing this battle. This has to be reversed,” he said about the city-wide gridlock.
Despite the lasting duration of the marches, the protest isn’t losing steam, or money. The crowd has received millions of dollars through fund-raising websites and recognition from prominent American figures like Ted Cruz and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Now, thankfully, the Freedom Convoy could be coming to DC with American Truckers who want to protest Biden’s ridiculous Covid policies,” Trump said in a press release Friday.
A court implemented an injunction banning protesters from using car horns, but protesters are still in the city relying on protester supply chains. As of Tuesday, Canadian police have opened 79 criminal investigations involving the protests.
