you, me, buddy down the road. it doesn't matter. it is all about your free choice. >> reporter: this started as a cross country trucker's protest by those against vaccine mandates imposed in january in both canada and the biden administration. it gained a following from a vocal minority of canadians fed up with covid restrictions. >> we should not be mandated to take vaccines. any medical vaccine, whatever, it should be a personal choice. >> reporter: that kind of sentiment gave way to this stand-off now in ottawa. >> there is a small minority that feel they can shut down a city or try to take over a government. it is just a bit bizarre, to put it mildly. >> reporter: while police and protests have been largely peaceful, there have been a handful of disturbing displays of hate symbols, vandalism and harassment. >> get out of here!