Canadian police clash with protesters after weeks of demonstrations

Canadian police officers clashed with protestors on Saturday in the capital of Ottawa, Ontario.

Demonstrators and protesting truckers continue to occupy downtown Ottawa, after more than three weeks of protests against COVID-19 measures and vaccine mandates.

On the west coast of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have set up checkpoints in Surrey, British Columbia in preparation for dealing with another convoy of big rigs and vehicles that is making its way to the lower mainland, CTV reports.

Police in Ottawa say they are using a "chemical irritant" on protestors who are being "aggressive and assaultive on officers". The irritant is "an effort to stop the assaultive behavior and for officer safety" police said.

(CGTN)