On September 20, 2025, activists from the “Draw the Line” movement staged a highly visible protest directly in front of Parliament Hill, painting a large red-and-white mural on Wellington Street. Ottawa Police closed the street for hours to facilitate the action, citing the use of washable paint, though critics noted that under Canada’s Criminal Code and municipal bylaws, the activity qualifies as vandalism. Two arrests occurred during clashes as protesters attempted to expand the mural near the Prime Minister’s Office. Hundreds participated, and cleanup concluded later the same day, with no reported injuries but lingering questions about liability for slippery surfaces (Ottawa Citizen, CTV News Ottawa, Ottawa CityNews, CBC News). Video evidence posted on X by @l3v1at4an shows police standing by as activists painted, sparking over 450 replies highlighting perceived enforcement disparities (X Thread).

Contrast this with the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests: organizers faced weeks of sustained police enforcement, arrests, and eventually prosecutions including mischief and counselling to disobey court orders. High-profile participants like Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were convicted and sentenced, while the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act — a level of response not seen for the mural or similar protests. The discrepancy demonstrates a clear selective approach in how law enforcement applies the law depending on the protesters’ affiliation, cause, or perceived political stance (AP News, CBC).

The mural incident, combined with historical patterns, fuels concerns over two-tier policing: some groups are allowed to vandalize public property with minimal immediate consequence, while others are met with swift arrest, prosecution, or extraordinary federal enforcement. Canadians deserve equal application of the law — whether it’s a climate mural, a roadblock, or any form of civil demonstration. When enforcement varies by cause, political affiliation, or identity, trust in public institutions erodes, and the perception of injustice becomes reality.

 

 

References

  1. Ottawa Citizen — “Two arrests amid Wellington Street mural painting” (Sept 20, 2025) — https://ottawacitizen.com
  2. CTV News Ottawa — Coverage of Draw the Line protest and police confirming street closure for washable paint removal — https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca
  3. Ottawa CityNews — “Hundreds participate in 65-foot mural as part of nationwide rallies” — https://ottawacitynews.ca
  4. CBC News — “Mural in front of Carney’s office with police aiding the demonstration” — https://cbc.ca
  5. X Thread by @l3v1at4an — Video evidence of police standing by as activists paint; 450+ replies discuss selective enforcement — https://x.com/l3v1at4an/status/1969466596499308628
  6. AP News — “Prominent figure from Canada’s trucker protests found guilty” — https://apnews.com/article/3975bb6bbd0c089e0c56cebbe9187fd2
  7. CBC News — Freedom Convoy prosecutions (Tamara Lich, Chris Barber, Chris) — https://cbc.ca