A protest over COVID-19 mandates continued at the provincial legislature in Fredericton today.
Called a ‘Freedom Convoy’, hundreds gathered downtown and while many arrived today, others arrived yesterday and stayed overnight in their cars.
The honking of horns could be heard throughout the area with cars toting Canadian flags and signs with various messages.
Fredericton Police had a heavy presence in the area and authorities say it has been a peaceful event so far.
Protest, Feb 12 (Photo: Rachel Smith)
In a statement late this morning, Fredericton Police spokesperson Alycia Bartlett noted there is ongoing and respectful dialogue with organizers who have agreed to ensure a peaceful and lawful event and remain inside the safe zone.
She adds there were no criminal code offences overnight but one ticket was issued around 5:30 a.m. for improper use of a horn.
For safety reasons, police expanded the road closures downtown around 2:15 p.m. with no vehicle traffic on Queen Street from the Cenotaph to Regent Street or St. John Street between King and Queen.
The area reopened to traffic about an hour later.
Jeff Tomah at the protest, Feb 12 (Photo: Rachel Smith)
Reporter Rachel Smith spoke to several demonstrators today.
Jeff Tomah is from the Woodstock First Nation and he wants all COVID mandates dropped by government immediately.
“It’s time to stop abusing people, stop abusing our children. And I mean, if the politicians don’t get it, maybe it’s time they go home as well. I mean enough is enough, right? We have all the tools we need to deal with this and we’ve been well educated. There’s been an awful agenda for division and hate. If the politicians can’t move beyond that, then maybe it’s time for a change. So yeah, that’s why I’m here.”
Charlene Tomah and family, Feb 12 (Photo: Rachel Smith)
Jeff’s wife, Charlene Tomah, is attending the event with her extended family including grandchildren.
She has been involved in many protests like this one and says there has been little news coverage.
“So two years later, the one thing I can say is finally the news is showing up. They don’t have a choice. But for two years I’ve been out doing this with zero coverage of any kind. Yeah and it’s very disheartening because there’s a lot of us who feel the same way, obviously, looking at Canada. I mean, this is wild. We are an example of the whole world. I’m so proud to be Canadian right now – only this part.”
Connie Steeves (right) and friend Judy, Feb 12 (Photo: Rachel Smith)
Connie Steeves, who was living in Moncton, was among the protesters who stayed overnight in their cars.
Steeves says she was evicted from a care home for refusing to get vaccinated and was told she was putting others at risk.
“(We’re here for) freedom, to be free in our country and we’re not. I was kicked out of a care home and how was that caring? I’m legally blind and diabetic. I have a list this long and they had no care whatsoever.”
Diane Siemens with daughter Jasmine Comeau (Photo: Rachel Smith)
(Photo: Rachel Smith)
Jasmine Comeau and her mother Diane Siemens are attending the demonstration from Miramichi.
Both believe getting the COVID-19 vaccine should be a choice and not mandatory.
Comeau, 17, says she has been in a wheelchair ever since she received a second dose of vaccine last fall and said she was forced to get it in order to graduate high school.
“The vaccine attacked my nervous system and now I’m unable to walk. And I found out last week, I won’t be able to graduate because I missed so much assignments and schoolwork because I was always in the hospital… always sick and in pain. So I won’t be able to graduate, which is really sad.”
Siemens says a neurologist confirmed her daughter’s diagnosis along with two paediatric doctors.
“And we’re not against the vaccine, but they should be giving informed consent. And we were never aware that she could end up like this. If you want to force a mandate, at least don’t hide those things. They’re specifying it is rare… those symptoms are rare… and we know it’s not rare because we get more and more people having those issues.”
Fredericton Police provided an update on the protest around 7:30 p.m.
Spokesperson Alycia Bartlett said police estimate approximately 700 people attended the protest throughout the day, along with more than 300 vehicles that participated in related convoys through the downtown.
She confirmed two adult males have been arrested for Criminal Code violations, at least three Emergency Measures Act tickets (appearance notices) have been issued, and multiple Motor Vehicle Act tickets issued.
She noted these numbers are estimates with a total count to be made available at a later date.
In addition, one vehicle was seized under the Emergency Measures Act and one bylaw ticket has been issued for setting off fireworks.
The Nevers Road overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway was also closed for a brief period before police were able to move protesters along.
Several large trucks attempted to enter downtown and were turned away without a valid manifest.
Police said there will continue to be a highly visible law enforcement presence and dialogue is ongoing with organizers to ensure a peaceful and lawful event.
Police are asking everyone to respect all parking bylaws, including the overnight parking ban, and the noise bylaw out of respect for those who live near the area.
