I was in Ottawa over the weekend visiting my daughter at Ottawa U and was staying in a condo right in the the eye of the storm (Cumberland and Besserer) of the truckers rally. I cannot say I 100% agree with everything they were about but I will tell you this. I did find them very friendly, and I did not see any violence, looting, vandalism, or criminal activity (other than the odd beer in hand). We went for a skate on the canal and walked the whole length of the protest and did a skate and on the way back did a walk through the market and back to the condo. The restaurants were doing amazing business in the area (we got take out as well on Sat night) and were happy to support the rally.
Once there I turned on the news and they were reporting on vandalism, thefts of food and threats!!?? Regardless if I agree with the truckers or not the rally was peaceful witnessed first hand the manipulation of the media to their own benefit.