CANADA’S MAPLE-LEAF flag is ubiquitous—draped over shoulders and unfurled from hockey sticks. The protesters who have converged on Ottawa, Canada’s capital, to demand the end of covid-19 restrictions are brandishing it like stars-and-stripes-waving Americans. On weekdays their numbers dwindle to a thousand or so, though the clog of vehicles, from camper vans to 18-wheelers, parked outside parliament makes the crowd seem bigger. On weekends they are joined by many more, often groups of neighbours who form small convoys and bring their children. That’s when bouncy castles go up and dance parties appear. At the slightest excuse people burst into “O Canada”.
Some spout conspiracy theories and wave “Fuck Trudeau” signs, showing their contempt for the Liberal prime minister, Justin Trudeau. Early in the protests some demonstrators waved swastika images. At least one Confederate flag was seen. Other protesters, using tropes beloved by anti-vaxxers worldwide, have absurdly likened Mr Trudeau to a Nazi, and some prominent participants have links to far-right groups.
But there is more talk of love, freedom and unity. Éric Fontaine, a boat painter, has been coming every weekend with friends from a small town south of Montreal. “We are against discrimination—every kind of discrimination, including against people who don’t want...
