The latest on protests against COVID-19 measures in Ottawa and beyond

The latest developments on ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, both in Ottawa and various cities across Canada. All times Eastern:

2:30 p.m.

A solidarity protest in Sarnia, Ont., has closed a stretch of highway and led to delays at a Canada-U.S. border crossing. 

Ontario Provincial Police say all westbound on-ramps to Highway 402 are closed from Modeland Road to the Bluewater Bridge, a highly travelled crossing point between the two countries.

Const. Jamie Bydeley says the closures are in effect for public safety, saying there are currently several pedestrians on the highway at the demonstration site. 

The official Twitter account for the Bluewater Bridge says to expect delays when travelling to the United States. 

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2 p.m.

Protesters have assembled in Halifax today to show support for demonstrators who have been camped out in Ottawa for the past nine days. 

Participants in the “freedom convoy” and associated protests taking place across Canada over the weekend are opposed to vaccine mandates and other public health restrictions imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

Halifax police Const. John MacLeod says hundreds of vehicles made their way through the downtown core and caused quite a backlog, but officers are working to clear that out.

He says both trucks and cars moved from the south end of the city, through the downtown and towards the Bayer’s Lake area.

He says the situation has been peaceful with no incidents to report.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2022. 

The Canadian Press