Ottawa mayor calls out protesters who placed upside-down Canadian flag on Terry Fox statue
As a large crowd of demonstrators mingled on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the "Freedom Convoy" protest against COVID-19 public health mandates, images of a statue of Terry Fox holding a protest sign sparked outrage among social media users, including the mayor of Ottawa.
Someone had placed an upside-down Canadian flag onto the statue of Terry Fox at the corner of Wellington and Metcalfe and draped another flag around the statue's back and shoulders. A protest sign was also placed in the statue's hands.
The signs and a baseball cap were later removed, but the upside-down flag remained.
In a tweet, Ottawa mayor Jim Watson called the move "completely unacceptable" and said he ordered staff to remove the items placed on the statue.
"This kind of stunt by protesters does not help their cause," Watson tweeted.
Brad West, the mayor of Fox's hometown of Port Coquitlam, B.C., accused whoever placed the items on the statue of appropriating Fox's legacy.
"He’s our city’s hero, national inspiration and a unifier. Whatever your cause, you don’t get to appropriate his legacy and you don’t touch his statue. Ever."
An upside-down flag is generally meant to symbolize distress or danger, but has been used by protesters at different times as a political statement.
The government of Canada's rules for flying the national flag say the flag should never be flown upside down except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life, and should also never be used to cover a statue.
While it didn't directly comment on the images of the statue in Ottawa, the Terry Fox Foundation tweeted an image of a statue of the Canadian icon, with the message that he believed in science.
"Terry believed in science and gave his life to help others. Thank you to all of our supporters who help us work toward realizing Terry’s dream of a world without cancer," the tweet said.
Many social media users said they made a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation after seeing the picture.
"In response to the defiling of the Terry Fox statue in Ottawa, I've made a donation to @TerryFoxCanada," wrote CHEO president and CEO Alex Munter. "Let's turn today's negative energy and hostility into positive results for cancer care and research in Canada!"
The protest in Ottawa drew a massive crowd to Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 health mandates imposed by all levels of government. Many were also protesting the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The protest created gridlock in Ottawa's downtown core, with the city of Ottawa warning at one point that there was "no more room for vehicles" other than emergency responders.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
WATCH LIVE Toronto police to release updated list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
Toronto police and law enforcement partners will be releasing the BOLO program’s updated list of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada at a news conference on Tuesday morning.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.