Canadian veteran James Top joined Conservative candidate Pierre Poalievre during his campaign in Ottawa today as part of the final leg of his march across the country to protest COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
Top’s arrival comes as Ottawa prepares to host the first personal events for Canada Day in three years, and the city prepares for possible protests over the weekend and summer.
Hundreds of people, including Canadian People’s Party leader Maxim Bernier, gathered on Robertson Road in the west to greet Top at 10 a.m. Friday as he began a walk up Parliament Hill. Supporters held Canadian flags and plaques in support of Top and protesting mandates.
Poilievre marches with Top for two kilometers on Baseline Road shortly after 12 o’clock in the evening Poilievre talks to Top in College Square about the walk around 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 issues,” Poalivr told Top. “We need to be free Canadians who can decide what we put into our bodies, decide what we think, decide who we are as human beings, and restore the freedom that brought so many millions of immigrants to this country in the first place.
Top is due to arrive at Hog’s Back Park at 1:30 p.m. and will complete his march to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 6:00 p.m.
According to the Canada Marches website, Top is marching for three reasons: protesting against the federal government’s mandate for a vaccine against COVID-19, supporting Canadians who have been denied access to jobs and services or who have lost income because of the mandate, and on behalf of those who have been forced to take the vaccine.
“We stand up to serve Canadians with honesty, respect and compassion in order to unite our people. We do this with the intention of ensuring that our government abides by the laws that uphold the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of Canada,” it said. on the Canada Marches website.
Speaking on Parliament Hill last week, Top said a number of groups formed by the Freedom Convoy had gathered to protest the federal government.
“What I would like to see with the creation of C3 – the Coalition of Canadian Citizens – is to have additional talks on the way forward, on the way to the future, on what we see Canada being and becoming,” Top said.
Top, a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, was indicted by the Department of National Defense after speaking publicly against federal vaccine requirements while in uniform. Top is charged with two counts of misconduct and misconduct.
Ottawa police said earlier this week that they were working with Top and the Canada Marches to facilitate safe travel to downtown Ottawa.
“We are in contact with Mr Top and his group and we have plans to ensure that he can move safely and legally from the west end of the city down to the Parliament buildings,” Interim Chief Bell said on Monday.
Top arrives as police step up security in the parliamentary district and downtown Ottawa in preparation for possible Canada Day protests. Officers in cruisers, bicycles and on foot patrolled a motor vehicle control zone designed to stop vehicles participating in protest rallies from driving near Parliament Hill.
Liberty groups plan to hold a series of events and protests in Ottawa on Canada Day.
Police on Guard for Thee, Veterans 4 Freedom and Freedom Fighters Canada are planning Freedom Family Picnic in Strathcona Park on Friday. Topp is scheduled to speak at the picnic.
According to the Twitter account “Live from the Barracks” and the Freedom Fighters Canada website, other events planned for Canada Day include a “March for Freedom” starting from Parliament Hill at 3:30 pm and speeches, live music and DJs on Parliament Hill from 5pm to 8pm
Prime Minister Doug Ford called on anyone attending the Ottawa protests to abide by the law.
“People, be careful this weekend, you’re going to Ottawa, be careful. It’s Canada Day, we’re Canadians, just have fun, be safe, be healthy and safe and spend time with your families, “said Ford.
MAXIM BERNIE CONGRATULATES TOP
Bernie greeted Top at Bells Corners and plans to go through the final stage of the trip with the veteran.
In a press release, Bernie said he would also press Poilievre to clarify his position on COVID’s mandates.
“He was silent for two years, like all other Conservative MPs,” Bernie said in a statement. “He was looking at the polls and checking where the wind was blowing while I was holding rallies across the country and I was being arrested. And then, when it became safe, he decided it was time to jump on a carefully organized photo during the convoy. He needs to stop lying about it. “
With files from The Canadian Press
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