Fed Up Ontarians Bring Protests To Politicians’ Homes

Peaceful assembly, protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, suggests countless people gathered shoulder-to-shoulder at the base of a government building. This is sometimes the case, but more often it’s just smaller groups of concerned citizens coming together wherever it makes sense at the moment. This includes businesses, busy intersections, and, as is the case lately, the homes of key decision-making politicians.

Sussex Drive

In what seems to have been the kick-off to this recent rash of private home protests, an impromptu block party transpired outside Justin Trudeau’s residence on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Beginning as a Canada Unity organized convoy from Peterborough to Ottawa, protesters spent a week holding demonstrations and candle-lit vigils both where the Prime Minister was set to appear and at Confederation Park. The park is where the “group of Canadians fed up with mandates, lock-downs, and loss of small business” as described by Church of Bubbles creator Jim Kerr, spent nights sleeping in their vehicles amid sub-zero temperatures and relentless snowstorms. Discussing the event’s intention, Jim relates, “The objective was different for different people but I got the feel they wanted their voices heard.”

Although the visit to Trudeau’s house and subsequent trip to his cottage was not part of official planned events (march to Shaw Centre, Parliament buildings, etc.), the spontaneous rally provided a boost that started a similar ball rolling in Toronto.

Toronto Homes

Soon the homes of Christine Elliott (Ontario Minister of Health) and Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario) had their own groups of protesters out front. For consecutive days at each residence, signs displayed support for freedom of choice and disdain for medical discrimination. Chants, music, and whistleblowing held true to the posters circulating social media stating, “Let’s disrupt their lives as they have disrupted ours!”

The National Telegraph observed the second day of both demonstrations.

Tuesday, December 15

On day two at Christine Elliott’s house, there are approximately 70 people in attendance. Police presence is strong with the number of officers lined up directly in front never dropping fewer than six, and several more stationed toward each end of the street. “Hands off our kids” is heard from blocks away, increasing in volume as an occasional shadow crosses the lit window. That figure, and the constant presence of her driver, indicate that Elliott is indeed home. This event goes smoothly for the most part, with the exception of one almost-arrest. A male passerby, after yelling out verbal insults to the group, physically assaults one woman resulting in no injuries but a broken phone. After consideration, this out-of-town protester decides against pressing charges.

Monday, December 20

Although the first night had roughly 100 bodies planted directly in front of Doug Ford’s house (minus a march around the block), the second finds only 50 or so obstructed at the end of his street. Manuel Madden, an attendee of both, states that officers told him the barricade was there for safety issues. With no additional clarification provided, Madden inquires, “But this is a busier street, how is this less of a safety issue?” Sergeant Stephen Laramy telling The National Telegraph he is just there to keep the peace and make sure no one gets hit by a car because “people do speed up and down the streets” lends further confusion to this topic.