A Cobourg man hopes the weekend protest in Ottawa is the turning point to the mandates.
Josh Clausen traveled to the Nations Capitol to take part in the peaceful protests along with people from across Canada.
Converging in front of Parliament Hills traffic came to a virtual stop for the weekend.
Truckers from across Canada and some from the United States along with supporters brought their issues concerning COVID-19 and the way the Federal Government has handled the pandemic.
A number of people sent Today`s Northumberland photos and videos of the days events that went into the evening.
Clausen has been vocal since the pandemic began protesting against the mandates in front of Victoria Hall in Cobourg along with others for over two years every Saturday.
“It was a patriotic day of unity,” said Clausen while driving back to Cobourg on Sunday.
“Despite little to no reports about attendance numbers in the media, over 2 million Canadians united together to speak out against the government imposed COVID mandates.”
Clausen said stages with speakers were set up throughout the entire four block square around Parliament Hill.
“Approximately 100, 000 trucks from Ontario and another 150,000 trucks lined up outside the city waiting to get in.”
Throughout the weekend, horns, music and cheers could be heard in almost every corner of the city said Clausen.
“It was difficult at times to hold back the tears as we witnessed millions of fellow Canadians united under the same cause. Vaxx’d and un-vaxx’d, masked and unmasked.. People of all creeds, cultures and cololurs all together peaceful and happy.”
“It was a historic day and I am proud to have been a part of it.”
On his way back to Cobourg on Sunday, Clausen said he hoped the weekened protest would make a difference.
“I really hope that this is a turning point in the mandates. The unity that we saw – all of them are sick of it and want to get back to their lives.”
With the vast number of people in the Nations Capitol there were a few incidents captured by cameras showing a person on top for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and another with a Nazi flag.
Clausen was in the area of the War Memorial when the incident happened and word quickly spread.
“As soon as people heard about it, they were watching guard that nothing else would happen.”
Organizers of the event communicated to everyone in attendance that it was to be a peaceful event.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
