ANGUS REID INSTITUTE
Blockade Backlash: Three-in-four Canadians tell convoy protesters, ‘Go Home Now'

If the goal of the Freedom Convoy was to capture the attention of millions of people in Canada and around the globe - mission accomplished.

If, however, the goal was to build support for their demands to end pandemic-related restrictions - it has backfired utterly.

New public opinion data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute shows after more than two weeks of unrest, Canadians are now more likely to oppose measures sought by protesters.

Overall, more than two-in-five now say Canadians say the protests have made them more inclined to support ongoing restrictions related to masking indoors (44%) and vaccination requirements to cross the Canada-U.S. border (44%).

As the country rolls into another week of uncertainty, nearly three-quarters of Canadians (72%) say the time has come for protesters to "go home, they have made their point."

As to how the situation should be resolved - most feel the time for talking is done. Nearly seventy per cent either think local police need to step in and send people home (45%) or that the military should be summoned (23%). One quarter (26%) say it's up to politicians to negotiate a dénouement.

However, those same politicians, including the prime minister and the leader of Canada's official opposition, are roundly criticized for harming, not helping events. Two-thirds (65%) say Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comments and actions have worsened the situation, while two-in-five (42%) say this of Candice Bergen, leader of the official opposition. The Ottawa police and Ontario Provincial Police also garner considerable criticism, with more Canadians - and Ontarians - saying they have worsened rather than helped to resolve the situation.

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