Trucker convoy protest to face off with Bonhomme Carnaval in Quebec City

With a trucker convoy expected to arrive in Quebec City on Friday evening, coinciding with the launch of the Carnaval de Québec, Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault warned protesters not to mess with Bonhomme Carnaval.

As reported in La Presse on Wednesday, Guilbault said that it would unacceptable for trucks or protesters to “jam” the city to the point where Carnaval is disrupted.

“If you mean preventing people from moving around, preventing people from living normally, preventing children and parents from going to see Bonhomme and doing their business, I think no, it’s not acceptable.

“Carnival in Quebec is important, [and] it would be paradoxical to annoy or prevent people from participating in Carnival with a disrespectful demonstration.”

—Geneviève Guilbault

Quebec Premier François Legault echoed those statements today, warning protesters not to interfere in the city’s joie de vivre and newfound freedoms.

“The citizens of Quebec City can have a normal life in restaurants, at the Carnaval de Québec. So far it’s going well and I want to make sure that it stays this way. I will not accept that we start insulting citizens at the entry of restaurants. We are very careful, and there’s no tolerance.”

—François Legault

Having taken some lessons from the situation in Ottawa, the SPVQ has a strategy to deal with trucks and the large protest expected to take place around 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. on Saturday. Large city trucks have been set up on the street with the National Assembly on one side and the Carnaval ice castle on the other side. Tow trucks are also standing by to remove vehicles if necessary.

“Coordination will be important this weekend so that citizens and tourists are safe and can participate and enjoy the Carnaval.”

—Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand

Je remercie M. Legault pour son appui.
La coordination sera importante cette fin de semaine pour que les citoyens et les touristes soient en sécurité et puissent participer et profiter du @CarnavalQc. Très satisfait de notre appel, nous resterons en contact au cours du weekend. https://t.co/BS1cgGqpMQ

— Bruno Marchand (@brunomarchand) February 3, 2022

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