Opposition Leaders Call on Ford to End Freedom Protests

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says Ford should remove CVOR licences for any truck driver participating, while Liberal leader Steven Del Duca went to visit Ottawa residents today.

Opposition parties continue to weigh on ways to end the ongoing trucker protests in Ontario, specifically in Ottawa.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says Premier Doug Ford has the power to take away the Commercial Vehicle Operator Certificates (CVOR) of any convoy protestor that doesn’t leave right now, and he should use it.

"Doug Ford has had the power all along to tell the occupiers that if they don't clear out, they won't be licenced anymore. Ottawa families have felt threatened for more than 10 days. Workers and small businesses have gone more than 10 days without income. Folks have had to see swastikas and Confederate flags marched through their streets. Ottawa families are exhausted, and on their last frayed nerve. This stopped being a protest and started being a lawless occupation over a week ago — the siege needs to end." 

Horwath doubled down on that call this afternoon. 

I see the so-called Freedom Convoy is upset with me for suggesting consequences for those who've harassed & intimidated Ottawans for nearly 2 weeks. They know I'm serious.

Doug, it's time to revoke licenses, plates & commercial registration to get these folks to go home. #ONpoli

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) February 9, 2022

Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca says he actually met with Ottawa residents today. 

He says the Province should be providing them compensation. 

"I would normally say it’s time he put his money where his mouth is, but Doug Ford has been silent on supporting the businesses and people of Ottawa through this crisis. In fact, he’s only made things worse. It’s time the province stepped up to provide real support to the victims of this occupation." 

Today I visited Ottawa to get a firsthand look at the #OttawaOccupation and hear from small business owners & families who have been impacted. Doug Ford has been missing in action while the people of Ottawa have been under siege. This has gone on too long, @fordnation. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/Eq2odPow7o

— Steven Del Duca (@StevenDelDuca) February 9, 2022