Tolerance will be ending soon, Quebec City police warn protesters

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The convoy of truckers protesting against vaccine mandates that drew thousands to Quebec City on Saturday had dwindled to a few hundred demonstrators Sunday, as police warned truckers that tolerance for illegal parking would soon be coming to an end.

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Of the roughly 100 trucks that had been parked nearby on René-Lévesque Blvd., only about 25 remained, still honking their horns as protesters with flags and placards walked by.

Some said they planned to come back or join a convoy protest they said would be headed to Montreal next week. Organizers vowed to return to the provincial capital in even larger numbers in two weeks.

Some truckers said they would likely leave by Sunday evening to return to work or get their children back for school. Others vowed to stay as long as they could, but it looked like police and Mother Nature were conspiring against them. With the forecast calling for snow Sunday evening, truckers were warned they would have to leave to allow for clearing operations.

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“Courtesy” notices left on the windshields of trucks by Quebec City police advised truckers they were being allowed to park illegally as part of the protest, but cautioned them to watch for announcements from the police force advising them when they would no longer be tolerated and risked tickets or towing.

One pickup driver who refused to move his vehicle that was blocking traffic Saturday evening was arrested and had his vehicle towed. Police issued 21 tickets on Saturday for traffic violations and disorderly conduct.

Slightly more than 200 protesters were gathered at their meeting spot in front of the National Assembly on Sunday at noon, in stark contrast to the thousands who crowded the provincial capital Saturday. Union leader Bernard “Rambo” Gauthier, who organized one of the many convoys that converged on the city Saturday, was in the crowd shaking hands with supporters. Previously, he had counseled protesters to maintain a peaceful demonstration, but also criticized the police for what he called overly strict restrictions on gatherings and truck parking.

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Contrary to the Ottawa convoy protest that has been going on for 10 days and shows no signs of abating, Quebec authorities were careful to ensure truckers could not disrupt traffic or park in areas where it would be difficult to dislodge them. Scores of police from the Quebec City force and the Sûreté du Québec were in evidence throughout the province.

Authorities and politicians warned that they would not hesitate to ticket, arrest or tow any protesters who broke the law or impeded traffic. Protesters were mostly accommodating, although they managed to block off René-Lévesque Blvd. for a few hours. It was reopened to traffic Sunday. Truckers ceased their honking at 10 pm Saturday night in accordance with municipal regulations, and resumed Sunday morning.

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Truckers and protesters said they were there to demand an end to health restrictions mandated to curtail COVID-19, including vaccine mandates and the wearing of masks.

“I’m here for our children, so they can have freedom — the freedom of expression, the freedom to do what they want without having to show proof of vaccines,” said Gaetan Santerre, who drove 450 kilometers from Matane to be in Quebec City. He had a wooden chalet affixed to the back of his truck, from which he and his partner gave out free coffee and hot chocolate. Last week he was in Ottawa, and he said he planned to go back there soon.

“It was fantastic there,” he said. “Much larger than here.”

More details to eat.

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