Winnipeg mayor calls for special council meeting to discuss trucker protest
Posted February 8, 2022 4:26 pm.
Mayor Brian Bowman says he wants an end to the ongoing trucker protest against COVID-19 restrictions outside the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg.
Bowman says people expect laws to be followed, and the protesters have broken laws by occupying a street and making excessive noise.
More than a dozen large vehicles have been parked in front of the main entrance to the legislature grounds for five days.
Traffic is flowing on most streets, but a couple of blocks have been closed off.
Bowman says he will ask for a special city council meeting on Thursday to discuss options.
He says politicians cannot tell police what to do, but the special meeting would allow everyone to speak out and to receive an update from the chief administrative officer.
“I would like to see this protest that is blocking a public street conclude sooner than later,” Bowman said Tuesday.
“We don’t want to see this occupation of our public streets continue or to grow.”
The Winnipeg Police Service posted a message on social media that the protesters had agreed to clear one block for commuters during the morning rush hour. The message used the term “Freedom Convoy” _ a title used by the protesters.
Bowman did not like that.
“I think it was, at minimum, a very poor choice of words. And I think it’s unfortunate. It didn’t help the situation.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2022.
