The mayor of Quebec warns that his patience with truck convoy protesters “will have limits” and that those who do not follow the rules should expect to be evicted.
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Bruno Marchand adopts a firm attitude towards those who will move towards Quebec with the intention of paralyzing the capital.
“It will depend on how they act,” he said in an interview with the Journal.
“If they don’t follow the rules, if they disgust citizens, hinder access to public services, access to merchants and prevent emergency vehicles from passing, it’s going to be zero tolerance. Insofar as they do not respect the regulations, one speaks of expulsion. »
“Jamming the City”
“Jamming” or “stalling” the city, as some are plotting, “it’s unacceptable”, slice the mayor. “They can’t demonstrate by ‘jamming’ the city. »
In the same way, he advises now that Quebec will not tolerate gestures as we have seen in Ottawa: a disregard for health rules in public places, journalists who are intimidated, for example.
“You can’t disgust people, stand two inches from their face, give them the middle finger. The police may not be everywhere, but we expect respect. And it’s better that way for their cause. »
Message heard
He says he is reassured by the fact that the message is heard by the organizers of the demonstration, who present themselves as peaceful.
“This is the best news we can have at the moment. We will judge the tree by its fruits. »
Mr. Marchand repeats that the right to demonstrate is important. “They have the right to express their opinions. »
On Wednesday, the deputy police chief claimed that parking would be banned outside parliament.
The mayor is confident that this instruction will be respected. “The streets are controlled by Carnival and that will not change. »
Indeed, the Carnaval de Québec just takes off this weekend, and it will occupy the premises around the National Assembly.
important party
For Bruno Marchand, this big party is important – he will also go there for a walk – and he is not afraid that it will be ruined by the presence of protesters.
“It is one of the most anticipated Carnivals in its history, because of the health rules and the passage that we have just experienced. We feel like finding a little light. »
Quebec is used to demonstrations, says the mayor, who praises the quality of his police service, which will act in the best interests of citizens and merchants, he is convinced.
But nothing is ruled out in the police game plans, including the possibility of blocking other streets if the situation calls for it.
