'There will be no occupation in Victoria': B.C. premier calls on convoy protesters to redirect efforts

B.C. Premier John Horgan says he's confident Victoria police are prepared for potential protests after an organiser of the so-called "Freedom Convoy" that occupied Ottawa said there were plans to come to British Columbia's capital.

"I know here in Victoria, Police Chief Del Manak has plans in place ready to go," said Horgan at a news conference Friday.

"There will be no occupation in Victoria based on what I've heard from Del Manak and the City of Victoria."

Horgan added that Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth was also keeping in touch with law enforcement groups across the province.

In late January, a protest group describing itself as a "Freedom Convoy" occupied downtown Ottawa for several weeks.

In February, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked Canada's Emergency Act to help manage and clear out the protesters.

On Friday, Horgan said he hoped any potential protesters coming to Victoria would instead redirect their efforts to "positive outcomes."

"I would just say to those people, goodness me, get a hobby," said Horgan. "Find something else to do with your time."

"Ninety-four per cent of adults in British Columbia are vaccinated, so we are spending an awful lot of time with a small group of people who seem to have nothing better to do with their time besides drive around in circles honking their horns," he said.