Hundreds of people took part in a rally in downtown Moncton on Saturday afternoon which shut down a portion of Main Street for several hours.
Called a “Freedom Rally” by organizers, people gathered at Riverfront Park waving Canadian flags and carrying signs which included phrases such as “Stop COVID mandates now”, “Axe the vax pass” and “A mandate is not a law”.
This demonstration was in response to the provincial government’s recent unveiling of its COVID Winter Action Plan which indicated retail stores would have the option of requiring patrons to be vaccinated.
A protest has blocked off Main Street in front of Moncton City Hall @919TheBendNews pic.twitter.com/BbbtBAWN1H
— Robert (@RobertLothian_) December 11, 2021
After a few speeches, the protestors left Riverfront Park and marched down Assomption Boulevard on their way to Moncton City Hall.
More speakers addressed the crowd in front of city hall which prompted a response from police.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Codiac RCMP tweeted about a police operation on Main Street, closed the section between Botsford and Assomption and asked the public to stay away from the area.
By shortly after 3 p.m., Mounties tweeted the police operation had concluded and the street had reopened to traffic.
Due to a police operation on Main Street, between Botsford & Assomption – Moncton is closed to traffic. Codiac Regional RCMP has set up a perimeter and the public is asked to stay away from the area
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) December 11, 2021
The police operation on Main St between Botsford and mechanic Moncton has concluded. The street has re-opened to traffic. Residents are now able to come and go as they please. Codiac Regional RCMP thanks the public for their cooperation.
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) December 11, 2021
