Ottawa Occupation

Art Holloway | Feb 16, 2022

Freedom does not equal lawlessness – The party atmosphere, disregard for law and order and the thuggery being reported among the citizens of Centerville in downtown Ottawa are what got me motivated to join the protest at city hall last Saturday. We braved -26 wind chill to provide a counter message that most Canadians do not agree with the type of protesting displayed at our capitol. More strongly - the government inaction makes me indescribably angry.

The level of anger on both sides was very disturbing. Many of the people I was standing beside had personal stories of intimidation, physical assault and bullying. Many can’t work because stores in the area have shut their doors because of staff having the masks they MUST wear ripped off by thugs and bullying. Ottawa police are in an impossible situation, and I feel for the police on the ground. Many more citizens of Ottawa would have attended but it was called off the night before due to safety concerns.

I followed events all week waiting for leadership that did not come. I am disappointed that our premier did not value the lives of many of his citizens and failed to act until a bridge to USA was shut down (I am not denying the importance of reopening it!). His priorities are clear.

I made a protest sign for the first time in my life. We arrived early and were some of the first. I was absolutely blown away by the level of support we received from cars and pedestrians

We joined the march at 3 PM and roughly 2000 polite angry citizens marched south on Bank Street. In the vacuum of leadership during this crisis the march was organized by labour unions and other activist groups. I gladly marched with labour unions, communists and anyone else who was willing to make a statement about taking back the city of Ottawa and the rule of law.

We saw many signs and have seen video that popped up all over social media. What I did not see was main stream media. Jan was interview by the Ottawa Citizen and we saw a subsequent article about the march and is where we got the estimate of 2000 people. I rely mostly on print media so cannot say -with authority about the lack of coverage but I saw nothing today on the local CBC website, nor on its main website. This disappoints me, but I am going to be writing letters (another first for me) this afternoon. I have already sent one to our premier.

The Canada I believe in does not accept the lawlessness and fascist behaviour I have seen in Ottawa. I believe in the right to protest. I believe we the majority have showed great restraint in gaining a permit, marching peacefully and following instructions of the marshals and police.

The people of Ottawa are finding their collective power and as shown in Kingston, they will not stand for this seditious thuggery for much longer before they act to fill the void in leadership.

Art Holloway