Hundreds of people gathered today on the streets of Toronto to protest against the vaccine mandates.

“We got COVID, and we are so proud,” is how Yollanda, a 42-year-old Mexican immigrant who was at today’s protest against vaccine mandates, described how she felt about being part of the gathering.

“It’s wonderful to be here with my family, we are all fighting for our freedom,” she said. “We do not want vaccines to be forced on us, because we are healthy people.”

On the other hand, 39-year-old nurse wore jeans and a black winter coat as she trekked nearby to get to work. As hundreds of people gathered in Toronto to protest against vaccine mandates, the Mount Sinai Hospital nurse decided that it was best to avoid any possible conflicts, not wearing any clothes that could identify her as a health professional.

Protesters wave the Canadian flag and hold posters against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Bloor Street and University Avenue during the protest against vaccine mandates, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photo credit: Barbara Patrocinio

“The only thing I would like to say is that vaccines work and are safe,” she said.

Honking horns could be heard around downtown and hundreds of people gathered at Queen’s Park, then moved towards Bloor Street along University Avenue, also known as Toronto’s hospital row.

The crowd asked for an end to vaccine mandates and shouted slogans against Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The protest was organized by the “Freedom Convoy,” and among the protesters’ requests were the end of vaccine mandates, the end of proof of vaccination for some indoor activities, and the end of the mandatory use of masks in closed places.

Many also asked for Trudeau’s resignation.

Some people were there as observers to see a political act taking place.

Brian Ferrier, 78-years-old, took to the streets to follow the development of the situation.

“The pandemic has forced economic and political decisions and now many other decisions will have to be made, maybe even in the next couple of days,” he said. “These are the political and economic costs of the pandemic.”

An opposing protest of a few hundred health care workers and supporters also gathered south of Queen’s Park, near the hospitals on University Avenue.

A 52-year-old woman who did not want to be identified said she lied to her husband, saying she went to buy groceries so she could attend the anti-mandate protest.

“I feel that I understand both sides and I’m fully vaccinated, but these vaccine mandates were really a bad decision,” she said.

Protesters wave the Canadian flag and hold posters against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at University Avenue during the protest against vaccine mandates, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photo credit: Barbara Patrocinio

Widespread traffic delays in the downtown area were reported as a result of the number of roads closed because of the protest. Toronto Police said some ambulances were also being delayed because of traffic caused in the area.

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) released a statement saying it disapproves of protests on public roadways, highways, and bridges, and the Canadian Trucking Alliance has estimated that 85 percent of truckers in Canada are vaccinated.