Thousands of protesters gathered outside Canada's Parliament on Saturday in a fiery demonstration, which began as a movement by truckers to challenge the government's mandate to vaccinate, but has spread to include a wide range of anti-government grievances. A loosely organized "freedom convoy" departed last weekend from the western province of British Columbia. The convoy slowed and sank on its way to  the capital, Ottawa, where police were bracing for what they said was an unpredictable weekend of protests. The convoy was organized  to comply with a regulation, implemented this month, requiring truckers returning from the United States to present proof of vaccination. But in recent days, it has been expanded to include Canadians who have criticized the limitations of the pandemic  in general and of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Some people, who may not have been part of the convoy itself, have called for an attack on Congress similar to the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Such violence has been denounced by the convoy organizers, as well as by many of the protesters on the streets. Despite fears the protest could turn violent, on Saturday night police said there were no significant incidents. Private cars and vans outnumbered the heavy trucks that made up the fleet in its early days. Throughout Saturday, vehicles lined the streets in and around Parliament, most flying flags or banners criticizing public health measures related to the pandemic.

Many of them carry the Canadian flag upside down; At least one flag has a swastika on it. The air was filled with diesel smoke and the sound of car horns. It seems few people are following Ontario's rules requiring social distancing and wearing face masks at large outdoor gatherings.