‘I can’t really go out and do things’: Ottawa chef experiencing additional daily challenges due to convoy

An Ottawa chef with physical disabilities says the ongoing truck convoy demonstrations have created additional daily challenges. 

Richard Stewart lives with Ataxia, a rare degenerative disorder which, depending on the severity, can affect motor skills, and cause difficulty with movement and speech, among other ailments. 

Stewart, who resides near Bronson and Gladstone Avenues, explains that because of the recent demonstrations public transit has been limited.

“It's been very difficult, because the convoy that's been going around downtown, goes by my place quite often, so the busses are not operating in this area very much,” he told CityNews Ottawa on Monday, January 31.”And the only way to get on the bus is to (head) towards Billings Bridge, as opposed to anywhere downtown.” 

Even going around the corner to buy milk, for example, is something that's almost impossible.

“I can't really go out and do things,” he said. “If I want to go Bank Street or Shoppers or something, that's not possible right now.”

He says it does choose to go outside, it's something he has to mentally prepare for — and he's not the only one who feels that way. Stewart says he's heard from other people who are also scared to leave their homes and some, he says, couldn't leave at all because of the demonstrations.  

Stewart works as a chef for the Parkdale Food Centre and teaches virtual cooking classes for individuals with physical disabilities, which earned him an award in May 2021. The classes range from about five to 28 people per week. 

Meal kits are used for the virtual cooking classes but because of the ongoing demonstrations, providing people with the kits– especially individuals who rely on them  — is challenging. 

“We can't right now guarantee that people can these meal kits and some people really rely on the meal kits and because of (these) interruptions — it's a huge issue for us,” he said, adding that the demonstrations also put the safety of the drivers delivering the meal kits at risk.

The COVID-19 pandemic, he says, has also impacted the Parkdale Food Centre, especially with the increase of safety protocols, such as increased personal protective equipment and proof of vaccination for all employees at the centre. Stewart, who is also immunocompromised, says he has to be extra cautious. 

He hopes to continue advocating for individuals with physical disabilities and he hopes that people can contribute to their local food banks, especially during this time.

“Even (if it's) just food, clothing, kitchen supplies, I really want to advocate for people to give as much as they when they can. If they have things that they're not using anymore, bring it to a food bank, we will find a home for it.”