Canadian Forces veteran James Topp arrived at the National War Memorial Thursday night, completing a cross-country march to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
Hundreds of people, some waving Canadian flags, lined Wellington Street and the National War Memorial to cheer on Topp as he completed the final leg of his Freedom March, which began in Vancouver in February.
There was a wall at the National War Memorial with “Thank You Truckers” notes that were written during the “Freedom Convoy” protest in downtown Ottawa in February.
An emotional Topp approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and knelt down. The crowd chanted “Thank you” as Topp hugged supporters.
Hundreds of people greeted Topp in the city of Ottawa on the last day of his march, including Conservative Party lead candidate Pierre Poilievre and People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier.
Poilievre marched with Topp for two kilometers along Baseline Road shortly after 12:00. Poilievre spoke with Topp in College Square about the walk across Canada.
“I support freedom of choice, I have always had and I believe that people should have the ability to decide for themselves on these matters,” Poilievre told Topp. “We should be free Canadians who can decide what we put in our bodies, decide what we think, decide who we are as people, and restore the freedom that brought so many millions of immigrants to this country in the first place.”
Poilieve spoke briefly with CTV News Ottawa’s Jeremie Charron while walking with Topp.
“I think he is defending freedom of choice. People should have the freedom to make their own decisions with their own bodies and that’s why I think he’s walked all over the country and that’s why I thought I’d say hi and give him an audience and see if he has any thoughts to share with me,” Poilieve said. The member of parliament added that Topp told him that he does not want to disturb the capital during Canada Day.
According to the Canada Marches website, Topp is marching for three reasons: to protest the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates, to support Canadians who have been denied access to employment and services or who have lost income due to to the mandate and on behalf of those who have been pressured to take the vaccine.
“We stand up to serve Canadians with honesty, respect and compassion, for the purpose of bringing our people together. We do this, with the intention of ensuring that our government upholds the laws that support the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” says the Canada Marches website. .
Speaking on Parliament Hill last week, Topp said that various groups that grew out of the Freedom Convoy had come together to protest the federal government.
“What I would like to see with the establishment of C3 – the Coalition of Canadian Citizens is that we have more conversations about the way forward, about the way of the future, of what we see Canada being and becoming,” Topp said.
Topp, a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, was charged by the Department of National Defense after speaking publicly against federal vaccination requirements while in uniform. Topp was charged with two counts of conduct detrimental to good order and discipline.
Ottawa police said earlier this week that they were working with Topp and the Canada Marches group to facilitate safe travel to downtown Ottawa.
“We have been in contact with Mr. Topp and his group and have plans to ensure that he can safely and legally move from the west end of the city to the buildings on Parliament Hill,” Acting Chief Bell said Monday.
Topp arrives as police tighten security at Parliament House and downtown Ottawa in preparation for possible Canada Day protests. Officers on patrol, bicycles and on foot patrolled a motor vehicle control zone designed to prevent vehicles participating in protest rallies from driving near Parliament Hill.
“Freedom” groups plan to hold a series of events and protests in Ottawa on Canada Day.
The groups Police on Guard for Thee, Veterans 4 Freedom and Freedom Fighters Canada are planning a “Family Picnic for Freedom” in Strathcona Park on Friday. Topp is scheduled to speak at the picnic.
According to the “Live from the Shed” Twitter account and the Freedom Fighters Canada website, other events planned for Canada Day include a “March to Freedom” beginning on Parliament Hill at 3:30 p.m. and speeches, live music and DJ’s on Parliament Hill. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Prime Minister Doug Ford is asking everyone who attends the protests in Ottawa to respect the law.
“Guys be considerate this weekend, go to Ottawa, be considerate. It’s Canada Day, we’re Canadians, just have a good time, safe time, stay healthy and safe, and spend time with your families.” Ford said.
MAXIME BERNIER SALUTES TOP
Bernier greeted Topp at Bells Corners and planned to walk the final leg of the trip with the veteran.
In a press release, Bernier said he would also press Poilievre to clarify his position on the COVID mandates.
“He was silent for two years, like all other Conservative MPs,” Bernier said in a statement. “He was watching the polls and checking which way the wind was blowing, while I was holding rallies all over the country and getting arrested. And then, when it became safe, he decided it was time to take part in a carefully staged photo shoot during the convoy.” “. . I should stop lying about it.”
With archives from The Canadian Press