As the government and the Sergeant-at-Arms of Parliament work on new measures to enhance the security of federal elected officials, Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner demands that we not be forgotten.
The parliamentary precinct has seen a number of new devices installed since the shooting of Parliament in 2014, such as bollards that block road access. “But unfortunately I have the impression that up to a certain point the building of the Supreme Court is a little bit the poor relation of these measures,” lamented Judge Wagner Thursday, during his press conference. annual event in a building on Wellington Street which was otherwise pedestrianized after the “convoy of truckers” paralyzed it this winter.
“I have asked several times that the Supreme Court building be part of the buildings to be protected, be part of the additional protection zone,” explained the chief justice of the highest court in the country. The Supreme Court is 700 meters from the Parliament but you can approach it freely.
Justice Wagner rightly cited the occupation of downtown Ottawa by these truckers to summon the government to acquiesce to his demands. “I dare to hope that the latest events that we experienced last January will lead the authorities to consider the Supreme Court of Canada as being a building that is fundamental and important to protect. »
Federal Minister of Public Security Marco Mendicino said in an interview with To have to on Wednesday, to consider different options to better protect parliamentarians who are the target of more and more threats and who are sometimes even being shouted at aggressively in the street. Ottawa could offer a security service to all ministers and party leaders or allow them to be accompanied by an armed driver, as is the case at the National Assembly. Currently, only the Prime Minister of Canada is accompanied at all times by a security service. Ministers and party leaders can receive this same service as needed.
The Chief Justice reported not being “aware of any particular threats” against his colleagues. “But you have to be vigilant,” he insisted.
Minister Mendicino also suggested that Parliament could have more security officers this summer.
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