India’s High Commission in Ottawa on Tuesday issued an advisory asking Indian citizens in Canada to exercise caution due to the ongoing truckers protest against Covid-19 restrictions in the capital and across the country.“In view of the ongoing situation, Indian citizens in Canada and those planning to visit Canada are hereby advised to exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, such as downtown Ottawa, follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and the evolving situation,” the advisory said.
It was accompanied by a special emergency hotline “to provide assistance and guidance to Indian citizens in distress due to the ongoing disturbances”.
The protest, going on two weeks, continues to lay siege to Ottawa, and has been divided opinions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being criticised for demonising its organisers for disagreeing with his government’s policies.
Trudeau has attacked the “Freedom Convoy” from the outset and refused to consider the possibility of dialogue with representatives of the protest, who are seeking an end to vaccine mandates and other Covid-19 related restrictions, including lockdowns.
In response, Quebec MP Joël Lightbound resigned from his position as provincial caucus chair over what he says was a recent change in the government’s approach: from positive and unifying to divisive and stigmatising.
“I can’t help but notice with regret that both tone and the policies of my government changed drastically on the eve and during the last election campaign,” he said in a stinging statement.
“Time to stop with the division and the distractions. It’s time to choose positive, not coercive methods.”
While Lightbound stressed he does not support the “Freedom Convoy”, calling for the occupation of Ottawa to end, he told reporters that, like him, others in the Liberal “ranks” also felt the same way – to varying degrees – about the divisive discourse surrounding the protest.
His position earned the support of the opposition, with leader Candice Bergen said, “We, Conservatives, could not agree more. This cannot be a slow and dragged out process simply because of the Prime Minister’s ego, pride, or denial.”
Meanwhile, the province of Saskatchewan announced on Tuesday that it will end the requirement for vaccine passports, among other measures, on February 14. Other provinces, including Alberta, Ontario and Quebec are in the process of easing restrictions, but the central government has made no indications that it will lift any restrictions, like vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers.
The advisory issued by India asked citizens to exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, such as downtown Ottawa, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and the evolving situation.
It was precipitated by concerns for the 700,000-plus Indian citizens currently in the country, as well as the large number of Indians, and people of Indian origin, who are part of the trucking industry.
