Hundreds Gathered In Ottawa On Saturday To Denounce Mandatory Masks & Vaccines

Trump banners and U.S.A. flags were spotted at the event.
Managing Editor, Canada

It was a busy Saturday afternoon in O-Town. On August 29, hundreds of protesters gathered downtown to speak out against enforced COVID-19 measures. The Ottawa activists denounced mandatory mask wearing, enforced lockdown and compulsory vaccinations.

Joining similar rallies across the globe, hundreds of Canadians gathered on Parliament Hill to protest government-enforced COVID-19 safety measures.

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The march was organized by The Line Canada, a “leaderless” group that has no political ties but rejects being forced to comply with COVID-19 rules and recommendations.

This includes mandatory mask wearing, enforced social distancing and public lockdown restrictions.

Those involved called for the end to such precautions, arguing that these measures are an infringement of their personal rights. 

According to CBC News, hundreds of activists were present during the march, most of whom were not wearing masks and did not practice safe social distancing.

Those marching in Ottawa joined similar protests across the globe.

Events were also held in Paris, London and Berlin, where 38,000 people gathered to reject COVID-19 restrictions.

Photos of the Ottawa-based event show demonstrators carrying banners and signs, reading messages such as “The media are a disgrace” and “Lockdown damage will be worse than the virus.”

Another image from the protest appears to show a Trump banner, as well as a U.S.A. flag, and a "Make America Great Again" flag.

Similar protests have been held in Ottawa, and across wider Canada, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been multiple anti-lockdown marches, with activists in Toronto going as far as offering "free hugs" during the height of the pandemic, and flying the Canadian flag upside down.

The Ottawa march wasn’t the only protest happening in Canada this weekend.

Across multiple major cities, thousands of people marched in support of defunding the police.

While these demonstrations were peaceful, a statue of John A. Macdonald ended up getting toppled in Montreal.

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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