Protests planned this weekend in North Bay to mark the anniversary of the ‘Freedom Convoy’
Northern supporters of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ mark the anniversary of last winter's demonstrations across Canada by holding a gathering of their own this weekend in North Bay.
Protestors told CTV News that they feel covid-related mandates continue to cause hardship and infringe on the rights and freedoms of Canadians.
The gathering began Saturday at about 11:00 a.m. Saturday with a ‘slow roll’ convoy departing from the Walmart parking headed to the city’s waterfront downtown.
Around 30 vehicles and 100 people were seen taking part in Saturday's slow roll convoy.
At the waterfront, the event is set to feature a variety of music and guest speakers along with a barbecue which kicked-off at noon.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
A flyer for North Bay's Freedom Convoy 2023 event on Jan. 28/23. (Facebook)Many similar protests and convoys have also taken place in North Bay and other northern Ontario cities the last two years.
"We're here today to protests the mandates still,” said Kris Primeau, one of the protestors in attendance Saturday.
“To make sure everyone gets their rights and freedoms and gets their life back. People are mandated to see their loved ones. Loved ones are still dying alone in hospitals, so this is why we're here."
Police in Ottawa are also preparing for the return of ‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters looking to mark the anniversary.
Both the Ontario Provincial Police and members of the North Bay Police Service were on-hand to patrol the event.
Protesters opposed to covid-related mandates returned to North Bay Saturday to mark the one-year anniversary of of the 'Freedom Convoy.' (Jaime McKee/CTV News Northern Ontario)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Interim RCMP commissioner Duheme 'very concerned' about foreign interference
As questions continue to swirl around the issue of other countries' meddling in Canadian affairs, interim RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme says he's 'very, very concerned' about foreign interference, and would like to see the national force be able to use intelligence as evidence in its investigations.

Migrant bodies in St. Lawrence 'heartbreaking' but 'predictable,' advocate says
After the bodies of several people were discovered in the St. Lawrence River, who authorities say were likely trying to cross illegally into the U.S., a migrant advocate is questioning why people are fleeing Canada.
W5 investigates | Priest, neighbours issue plea for help for struggling international students in Cape Breton
Cape Breton University has more than doubled in size by enrolling thousands of international students, and critics say the campus and community weren't ready. Watch the documentary 'Cash Cow' on CTV W5, Saturday at 7 p.m.
April storms bring May norms: Weather Network’s seasonal forecast
The latest seasonal outlook from The Weather Network shows early April will continue to be chilly with flip-flopping temperatures bringing above and below the usual levels of precipitation seen around this time.
A glass of wine or beer per day is fine for your health: new study
A new Canadian study of 4.8 million people says a daily alcoholic drink isn't likely to send anyone to an early grave, nor will it offer any of the health benefits touted by previous studies, even if it is organic red wine.
Federal minimum wage, taxes on alcohol: Here's what's changing in Canada April 1
The federal minimum wage is increasing from $15.55 per hour to $16.65, and taxes are going up on gas and alcohol nationwide starting April 1.
W5 profile | The Canadian who creates the real, but fake, sounds in Hollywood blockbuster films
W5 profiles the man who makes the sounds for breaking bones and squealing tires in Hollywood’s biggest films; and he does it from a small town in Ontario. Watch 'Sound Farms' at 7 p.m. on CTV W5.
Recent immigrants more likely to have confidence in Parliament, Canadian media: Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada has released its new report about the Canadians level of confidence in Canada’s institutions, finding that recent immigrants are more likely to express confidence in the media and parliament.
Afghan women cyclists who escaped the Taliban are chasing their dreams in Canada
After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan and banned sports for female athletes, Afghan women cyclists are chasing their dreams in Canada.