A demonstration took place on Saturday, June 26 in Barry’s Bay along Opeongo Line (Hwy 60) in front of MPP John Yakabuski’s residence. Siobhan McLeod, one of the dozen or so adult participants, told The Current that it was not a formal group. She said some of the demonstrators and their families heard about it through word of mouth as far away as Pembroke and Renfrew, and some were meeting each other for the first time that day. Photo above.
Asked about the varying messages on their placards, McLeod said, “It’s different things to different people. So for me, mostly, I would say it’s the lockdowns and just seeing the repercussions that that has had on my children because for an entire year we haven’t had any activities…. And I’ve seen the consequences to my other friends who are moms who have young children – what it’s done to them, psychologically. So that’s what is important to me.”
She said that she had designed and printed up three anti-lockdown signs and has displayed them when protesting by herself with her baby, Leo, in downtown Barry’s Bay. She described one encounter last spring: “Honestly, the most devastating was an older gentleman who came up to me. He was 87 and he told me that for an entire year he hasn’t had physical contact with anybody. The only interactions he has – because he lives alone and his children live out of province – is when he goes into stores and he’s accosted to wear a mask, even though he isn’t afraid and he doesn’t want other people to be afraid. And he teared up because he is so lonely and just heartbroken and like nobody talks to him…. People are so focused on following these rules that make no sense that they’re forgetting to see the humanity in other people around them.”
McLeod added, “For others, it’s a mask issue… It’s the vaccine issue, feeling coerced into getting the vaccine…. And that our MPP hasn’t represented properly the people that live in this county.”
Sharon Taylor, who with her husband Eric owns and operates Barry’s Bay Outfitters directly across the road, said, “They have a right to protest in our society but they should be protesting for something that makes sense. This doesn’t make any sense.” When asked if it affected her business, Taylor said it affected a customer from Hamilton who had just left the shop. “She has compromised immunity…. She did buy the stuff that she needed. She said that she was quite annoyed at having this because she’s here for a holiday, to get away.”
It’s too bad these protestors are so naive. “We must forgive them for they do not not what they are doing”. Idiots
The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT caused these issues not the province. Maybe you should protest outside his office and leave his family alone. How would you like it?
Listen, you idiot protesters. The pandemic is nearly over because of vaccinations and masking. How could anyone in their right mind protest against this obvious conclusion??? I doubt if all the honkers were supporting you; they could very well have been opposed to other decisions of the MPP and premier.
What a bunch of idiots
Don, I totally agree with you.
It is about time someone call him on this Planned Pandemic
If you want to protest lock downs, go to the Clown’s house that failed to actually procure any when he said he order all of what Canada needed. Then that clown turned around and stole vaccines from 3rd world countries.
If you really want to voice your opinion, then don’t vote liberal in the next FEDERAL election.
Trudeau has been the cause of all 🇨🇦’s issues as if late.
Thank God that the majority of people don’t act or talk like this. That why the numbers are coming down.
Actually, I was also there protesting on Saturday and the reality is that many, many cars passed by honking, cheering, and giving thumbs up to us in support. There was only two cars who were unsupportive. A couple cars even bothered to stop along that busy road to ask what we were doing and wanted to talk. This shows me that the majority are silent but see how ridiculous everything has become with covid restrictions and want it all to end.
Awesome Rebecca
Former MNR Minister. He had nothing to do with the lock down. You couldn’t be bothered to go and picket the leader responsible? I’m very sure John cannot assist you in your crusade. Get it right.
I agree, Beth. Thanks for the comment.
And what did it change? Nothing. Totally pointless.
I agree Beth. There are always the’anti’ people making trouble and trying to tear the community apart. It’s about time they find a constructive hobby. So many really good people in the community that work hard or volunteer. It’s time we appreciate what we have.