Four arrested in Quebec City 'freedom' protests, vehicles allowed to stay overnight

After a slow start Friday evening, Quebec City is packed 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 four arrests have been made so far: two were charged under the Criminal Code for assault and indecent action, and two others were charged for infractions of the city's Peace and Good Order regulations. 

A small crowd gathered before the National Assembly Friday night. The demonstration fizzled out due to low attendance but began again Saturday morning.

At around 11 a.m. heavy trucks, a school bus and tractors rolled in and parked on Rene-Levesque Blvd — the only place where those vehicles are permitted, according to the SPVQ.  

Large vehicles will be allowed to stay overnight so long as they stay within the designated area. 

"Any violation will not be tolerated," wrote the police force in a statement Saturday night. 

Police officers patrol the streets as hundreds of people demonstrate against COVID-19 measures in front of the legislature in Quebec City, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Police officers patrol the streets as hundreds of people demonstrate against COVID-19 measures in front of the legislature in Quebec City, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

According to organizers, the weekend’s events are scheduled to include concerts, speeches, and even a meditation session, despite persistant horn-honking. 

Protesters were seen forming a human chain to carry bags of stuffed animals to a stage near the Tourny fountain, where organizers distributed the toys to children at the event.

"We are here to cry out (for) all the suffering of the people of Quebec," Kevin Grenier, an organizer of the event, told the crowd. 

"The pandemic, it's over, it's over, we have to abolish everything, we're tired, that's enough," said protestor Christian Martel, who called for an outright end to the vaccine passport and mandates requiring children to be masked at school. 

Vaccine passports are no longer needed to enter big box stores, as well as branches of the SQDC and the SAQ. As of Feb. 21, it will no longer be required in places of worship. It is set to be completely withdrawn as of March 14, when a majority of the sanitary measures will have been relaxed.

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.

Bernard "Rambo" Gauthier, centre, shakes hand with supporters as hundreds of people demonstrate against COVID-19 measures in front of the legislature in Quebec City, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Bernard "Rambo" Gauthier, centre, shakes hand with supporters as hundreds of people demonstrate against COVID-19 measures in front of the legislature in Quebec City, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

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.

With files from CTV's Kelly Greig and The Canadian Press.