Protesters gather in Manitoba to oppose lockdown mandate

CTV spoke to one of the protesters, "Our economy is going down the toilet," said Patty, "I'm here because I believe our country has to open up. We can still practice these measures that have been put in place – the masks, six feet – but the country has to open up."

The rally comes as health officials in the province reported 10 new deaths caused by COVID-19, along with 387 new cases of the virus.

Police were present at the rally, even outnumbering the protesters. "The Winnipeg Police Service was aware of reported COVID-related rallies at several Winnipeg locations and was on scene at those places for safety reasons," police told CTV News in a written statement.

The event was peaceful, except for one altercation where an officer warned the group they may be fined for being over five people. It remains unknown whether anyone was fined.

"The Province is working closely with law enforcement agencies and many other partner agencies to ensure the public and officers engaged in the enforcement of public health orders are kept safe," a provincial spokesperson told CTV News in a written statement.