The Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa, initially sparked by vaccine mandates, have grown into a larger movement.

The ongoing protests in Ottawa, which have been paralyzing the Canadian capital for over a week, began as a demonstration against vaccine mandates and passports. The convoy, led by the Canada Unity group, first garnered attention in early January and has since escalated into a major occupation of downtown Ottawa. City officials described the situation as a “siege,” and the mayor declared a state of emergency in response to the disruption.

The origins of the protest trace back to a new mandate that all truckers crossing the US-Canada border be vaccinated against Covid-19. While most Canadian truckers are vaccinated, there were concerns that the mandate would force many out of work, exacerbating existing supply chain issues.

The group, which had attempted to organize similar protests in the past without success, gained significant traction this time due to growing frustration with the mandates and the broader Covid-19 restrictions. Protesters have vowed to continue occupying Ottawa until all vaccine-related requirements and mandates are fully revoked.