Thousands flock to Quebec City for round-two of ‘freedom’ protests

After a slow start Friday evening, thousands of demonstrators are converging in Quebec City Saturday for what some are calling the “Woodstock for Freedom,” an offshoot of the “freedom convoy” protest against COVID-19 health measures that began in Ottawa last month.

Quebec City police (SPVQ) say three arrests have been made so far.

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Although a small crowd gathered before the National Assembly Friday night, the demonstration quickly fizzled out due to low attendance. But on Saturday around 11 a.m. heavy trucks, a school bus and tractors were parked on Rene-Levesque Blvd — the only place where said vehicles are permitted, according to the SPVQ.

Although more are expected to arrive Saturday, cold weather and heavy snow could impact crowd sizes. According to organizers, the weekend’s events are scheduled to include concerts, speeches, and even a meditation session.

Quebec City’s first round of protests took place a few weeks ago, with participants vowing to return for the weekend of Feb. 18.

This time around, the city’s police have been granted further power to close streets as a preventative measures, if necessary.

During Quebec’s initial four-day demonstration, police made three arrests and handed out 170 tickets.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa, police have cracked down on demonstrators, sometimes with the use of pepper spray and with over 100 arrests made. The nation’s capital is officially entering its fourth week of non-stop protests.