Trudeau's mocked on social media after returning from 'pandemic isolation'

On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resurfaced after going into hiding following the arrival of the Freedom Convoy in the nation’s capital city of Ottawa.  

Following his re-emergence, which was purportedly “pandemic isolation,” a visibly agitated Trudeau attended an emergency house debate on Monday evening to discuss the ongoing “occupation” of Ottawa by the trucker convoy protesters, as called by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

"It has to stop,” said Trudeau, referring to the ongoing protest, which first began over 10 days ago.

"This pandemic has sucked for all Canadians,” he added, noting that the way forward is to “continue to listen to science, to continue to lean on one another.”

Trudeau claimed that although “people have the right to disagree with the government,” “a few people shouting and waving swastikas does not define who Canadians are.” He made his remarks in response to a claim by Conservative interim leader Candice Bergen who asserted that Canadians are more divided than ever under Trudeau’s leadership.

Trudeau countered Bergen by claiming that the vast majority of Canadians are vaccinated and “believe in science,” conflating anti-vaxxers with those simply opposed to the vaccination mandates, lockdowns, and mask mandates.

Trudeau pledged the support of the federal government to the city of Ottawa, promising to help “with whatever resources the province and city need,” without any elaboration.

On social media, Trudeau reiterated the comments he made to parliament, stating: "Canadians have the right to protest, to disagree with their government, and to make their voices heard. We’ll always protect that right. But let’s be clear: They don’t have the right to blockade our economy, or our democracy, or our fellow citizens’ daily lives. It has to stop."

Trudeau was promptly dragged for his remarks, with many pointing out that his claim that Canadians have a "right to protest" includes the caveat that "they don't have the right to blockade our economy..." etc., meaning that he does not support Canadians' right to protest under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which specifically includes the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations, protests, and other assemblies under  Section 2(c).

Earlier Monday, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson called on the federal government to provide an additional 1,800 police officers and appoint a mediator to deal with the protesters to “end the siege.”

The mayor declared a state of emergency in the capital, calling the protest “out of control,” on Sunday.