In the trucking camps in Ottawa, “love and diesel”
Audio 02:30
In Ottawa, Truckers parked near Parliament continue to blockade the capital, February 12, 2022, to protest against restrictions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.
AP - Ted Shaffrey
By: Pascale Guericolas
2 mins
For 16 days now, hundreds of heavy goods vehicles have occupied a district of Ottawa, the Canadian capital, right next to Parliament.
Truckers and their supporters are calling for an end to health measures.
Very well organized, the Rovers have several supply camps around the city center.
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From our special correspondent in Ottawa,
The huge tent, installed in support of the movement of truck drivers in the parking lot of a stadium in Ottawa, is buzzing with activity.
Volunteer cooks cut vegetables on the line, others prepare meals delivered to those stationed in front of Parliament 5 kilometers away.
Alexandre sums up the camp, set up for truckers: “
You have everything, love, diesel.
A wave of love that I have never seen in my life.
".
“
People hug each other.
It's beautiful what we see, it's wonderful.
“, adds a woman.
Volunteers constantly bring warm clothes, fuel for the trucks, and the generators that heat the tent and the portable toilets, because outside it is minus fifteen degrees.
This solidarity also has unexpected political consequences, as this retiree remarks: “
Before the 2022 convoy, I was proud to be Quebecer, today I am proud to be Canadian.
I didn't think Canada could be so united.
»
► To read also: Canada: the mayor of Ottawa declares a state of emergency in the face of the persistence of road blockages
Seduced by the movement, this trucker from Quebec spends several days a week with the convoy: “
It's heart-warming to see!
Anglophones, Francophones, everyone helps each other.
Between guys, we talk nonsense!
»
Other protest movements are also taking place in other cities or at border crossings with the United States, but that of Ottawa is the main one.
Very well organized, the camp seems here to stay.
Until, perhaps, the police take action.
► To read also: Canada: the rumble rises in Ottawa, "occupied" by the truck drivers, the police are gradually imposing themselves
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