By Canadian Press

The latest on protests against COVID-19 measures in Ottawa and beyond

Feb 10, 2022 | 10:22 AM

The latest developments on ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, both in Ottawa and various cities across Canada. All times eastern:

10:30 a.m.

Interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen is calling on protesters to take down the blockades of border crossings.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Bergen says the time has come for them to stop the disruptive action that is causing economic harm.

She says farmers, manufacturers, small businesses and families are suffering because of the border blockades.

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Bergen adds that she doesn’t believe that is what the protesters want to do.

Bergen also says the protesters’ anti-vaccine-mandate message has been heard and is pledging her party’s support to that end.

Bergen made the comments today at the start of debate on a Conservative motion calling on the government for a plan for ending COVID-19 restrictions.

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10 a.m.

Ottawa police say they are aware of a concerted effort to flood 911 and the non-emergency police line with calls.

Police say on Twitter the effort to clog up the line endangers lives and is “completely unacceptable,” in addition to being against the law.

Police say they track calls and will charge anyone deliberately interfering with emergencies.

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9:20 a.m.

Manitoba RCMP say a protest involving a large number of vehicles and farm equipment is blocking the province’s main border crossing to the United States.

They say no traffic is getting through in either direction at the Emerson crossing, about 100 kilometres south of Winnipeg, and the port of entry is shut down.

———

9:20 a.m.

Ottawa police say nearly two dozen trucks have left the city.

Police say a dozen trucks left a parking lot outside the city’s core after negotiations with protesters who have used the area as a staging and logistics ground.

Police say 10 more trucks have also left downtown, and another vehicle was towed for obstructing traffic.

They are also repeating their request that remaining protesters leave the city after almost two weeks of being encamped in the national capital.

While some trucks that are part of the so-called Freedom Convoy have left the city, another group of vehicles is causing traffic disruptions around the city’s airport.

A notice from the city says the traffic disruptions are part of a demonstration.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 10, 2022.

The Canadian Press