Ottawa police call in Canada Day reinforcements for ‘freedom’ protests
Article content material
OTTAWA — Ottawa officers stated on Monday they’re closing roads and calling in reinforcements to maintain anti-government “freedom” protesters from disrupting Canada Day festivities, that are being held for the primary time in three years on Friday.
Article content material
As a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the free live shows and different actions normally held on the July 1 nationwide vacation, which celebrates the founding of the nation, have been canceled.
This 12 months a number of teams that say they’re protesting in opposition to quite a lot of issues – together with coronavirus vaccination mandates, globalization and authorities efforts to restrict freedom in Canada – are planning marches and even a dance get together.
A few of the identical organizers have been behind a truck convoy that blocked Ottawa’s downtown core round parliament for 3 weeks, snarling worldwide journey and commerce in addition to leading to dozens of arrests. Ottawa officers are nonetheless going through criticisms for his or her dealing with of the disaster.
Ottawa’s interim Police Chief Steve Bell stated he expects a whole bunch of hundreds of individuals to take part within the Ottawa celebrations, however doesn’t understand how many individuals plan on becoming a member of the protests.
Article content material
“We received’t be intimidated by any group that plans to disrupt the celebrations,” Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson stated throughout a information convention. “We’re ready, and we is not going to tolerate any criminality by anybody.”
Friday’s protests will embrace another free live performance in entrance of the Supreme Court docket, a march to metropolis corridor the place audio system will tackle the general public and eventually a dance get together in entrance of parliament.
A number of police forces, together with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), are being introduced in to assist, Bell advised reporters.
Already from Wednesday, entry to the streets round parliament can be restricted, and a lot of the streets within the downtown core can be closed on Friday. No autos can be allowed to park illegally and no buildings, together with tents, can be allowed, Bell stated.
“We’re ready to take decisive and lawful motion to take care of threats, occupation makes an attempt, and different illegal habits that we observe,” Bell stated.
