Ottawa protesters defy growing calls to end occupation of capital

Dozens of big-rig trucks, RVs and pickups remained parked in front of Parliament Hill and nearby streets, and protesters showed no signs of leaving.

Ron, a highway rescue worker from a small community in rural British Columbia, was taking shelter at a disused bus stop. (Services have been suspended because buses are unable to reach the city centre.)

But anger was growing among local residents at the failure of the police and city officials to disperse the protest, amid reports that truckers and their supporters had harassed or threatened locals.

She described an atmosphere of constant stress over the past week.

But the convoy has also won supporters: thousands of people came to the protest site on Saturday. The convoy has also gained millions of dollars in crowdfunding support, currently being gathered by a Christian crowdfunding site called GiveSendGo, after the original GoFundMe which amassed more than $10m was cancelled.

In the few days since the new crowdfunding page was launched, supporters have sent in nearly $5m.