A statement signed by a number of freedom groups and current and former politicians was released Monday in an effort to counter reports Ottawa protesters have been violent..“For nearly two weeks, Canadians with their families and children from all over the country from different ages, races, ethnicities, religions and beliefs have gathered in our nation’s capital to exercise this right in unity, peace and love,” said the statement..“Many of the undersigned have attended and are still present in Ottawa.”.Freedom groups represented in the statement include Police on Guard, Mounties 4 Freedom, Stand up Canada, Take Action Canada, Mama Bears, Police for Freedom and Vaccine Choice Canada. .Derek Sloan, leader of the Ontario Party, along with the party’s Deputy Leader and MPP Rick Nicholls (Chatham-Kent-Leamington) signed the statement..Other signatories include MPPs Randy Hillier (Lanark-Frontenack-Kingston), Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West, retired MP Harold Albrecht and Larry Sault, former chief and grand chief in Ontario, now an indigenous consultant..“We have witnessed peaceful demonstration and have observed multiple acts of humanity which define what it means to be Canadian,” said the statement..“These acts include providing meals to the homeless population, tidying the streets of trash and snow, keeping watch of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other monuments and assisting business owners with tidiness while providing patronage to their establishment.”.The statement calls the “corporate media’s coverage” of the events transpiring in Ottawa inaccurate..“The government’s decision to block refueling of the trucks puts fellow Canadians and their families, including their young children, in danger due to the extreme cold temperatures currently occurring in Ottawa,” said the statement calling the actions “inhumane” and said they don’t “align with Canadian principles.”.The signatory’s said they have and will continue to encourage non-violent protest and non-interference with local businesses and emergency response..“If Canada truly is a democratic nation, then we call on our duly elected members of government to engage in meaningful dialogue consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” said the statement..“Unjustly labelling those protesting the unconstitutional public health orders as terrorists, racists and misogynists is unacceptable and creates further divide.”.The statement concludes with a quote from John Diefenbaker from the Canadian Bill or Rights..“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.”.Over the weekend, Ottawa police moved to a siege mentality and on Sunday, declared a state of emergency..The city said the declaration “reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government.”.Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
