This article will be updated throughout the day.
OTTAWA—Crowds of people are gathering in Ottawa to call for freedoms on Canada Day as police continue to maintain a heavy presence, at time confronting some protesters.
Earlier in the day, a massive group of people marched across downtown Ottawa to protest the federal government’s different COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. Cheering and chants of “freedom” were heard as people marched along. More gatherings were organized outside of the Parliament Hill as many protesters could be heard complaining about layers of security check to get close to the area.
Protesters repeatedly yelled out “freedom” as they moved to the alternate gathering location on Wellington Street.  As police intervened with the event on Wellington Street, some protesters could be heard yelling “police stand off.”…