Ottawa mayor calls Conservative MPs' support of protest 'an absolute disgrace'

Ottawa's mayor is asking on a number of Conservatives MPs and a senator from Saskatchewan to apologize for praising the anti-vaccine mandate protest that has introduced the capital's downtown to a standstill for near every week.

A photograph exhibits MPs Warren Steinley, Kevin Waugh, Andrew Scheer, Fraser Tolmie, Rosemarie Falk and Sen. Denise Batters grinning -- some giving the thumbs-up -- in entrance of one of many protest vehicles, which have been barricading roads and honking horns within the metropolis virtually continuous since Saturday.

On Twitter, Waugh stated a couple of of Saskatchewan caucus members "went to indicate their appreciation for the hardworking, patriotic truckers who've saved our provide chains wholesome & grocery cabinets stocked for the previous two years."

He added, "it is nice to see Canadians championing freedom on Parliament Hill."

Mayor Jim Watson responded on Twitter by calling the motion an "absolute shame," saying residents have been harassed by protesters and companies have been compelled to shut.

On Wednesday, Ottawa's police chief stated all choices are on the desk, together with calling within the army, to finish the continuing demonstration that was being referred to as an "occupation" by some metropolis councillors.

Police estimate they've already spent greater than $3 million to handle the protest and reply to emergencies. As compared, the Canada 150 celebrations on Parliament Hill in 2017 price Ottawa police about $1.5 million.

There have been requires the greater than $10 million raised by protest organizers on the crowdfunding web site GoFundMe to go towards the prices of policing the demonstrators and reparations for his or her behaviour.

GoFundMe says it has paused and is reviewing the fundraising marketing campaign to make sure it complies with its phrases of service.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Feb. 3, 2022.

That is an absolute shame that you'd come out & reward this unlawful motion that has prompted stress and hardship to residents who've been placing up with horns blasting all through the evening and residents harassed for sporting a masks & companies compelled to shut. Apologize https://t.co/LqErhdndhp

— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) February 3, 2022

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  Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson speaks on the Ottawa LRT building web site at Waller Road on Nov. 10, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang