Another convoy protesting COVID-19 mandates made its way through Sarnia Saturday, but with most of them being dropped soon some officials and residents feel the protesters should turn their attention to bigger issues such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A stream of cars, SUVs and trucks, including what appeared to be a couple of military vehicles, drove in a loop around Sarnia city hall honking and waving Canadian flags. A small group stood in front of the Christina Street North building waving and holding signs, flags and hockey sticks.
Despite the majority of mandates coming to an end Tuesday, including Ontario’s vaccine passport program, the group was also pushing for the remaining rules to be dropped as well. The “freedom convoy” was organized to push for colleges and universities to drop their mandates and for children to not have to wear masks, according to a Facebook post.
Jeff Plain was in the area before making his way to a busy Sarnia shopping center where he held a sign in support of Ukraine.
“The people downtown, somebody stopped to talk to me and I said, ‘I’m sorry we have to wear masks but today people are getting slaughtered in Ukraine,’” he said. “Let’s get our priorities a little straight.”
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Kathryn Evans, who stood next to Plain.
count. Brian White commented on a brief video clip of the protest circling city hall: “Sarnia residents standing in solidarity with Ukraine against Russian tyranny… no wait… that’s not it at all.”
A convoy caused backups at the Blue Water Bridge earlier this month and a line of farm vehicles parked on Highway 402 in Warwick Township forced police to close the highway for nearly a week before the group departed.
Spokespeople for Sarnia police and Lambton OPP did not immediately respond Saturday for information about if there were any issues related to the latest protest.
SPORTS FACILITIES FULLY OPEN
Lambton public health issued a statement Saturday saying its local “letter of instruction” requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for people entering sports and recreation facilities is no longer in effect.
The order issued under the Reopening Ontario Act was issued Oct. 26 and required anyone age 12 and older to show proof of vaccination. But it was rescinded “effective immediately” Saturday due to recent provincial announcements and pending changes to the vaccination passport program, the health unit said.
But officials asked for patience as some businesses may choose to keep the system in place or slowly phase it out.
“As a community, we have taken strides to move forward. It has been achieved through high rates of COVID-19 vaccination and support for public health measures through the commitment by individuals, organizations, businesses and communities,” the health unit said.
A total of 79 per cent of eligible residents age five-plus were fully immunized as of Saturday and 48 per cent had three doses.