Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declares a state of emergency in the Canadian capital due to major protests that have been taking place there for ten days. The police are toughening up on the demonstrators, who are always enthusiastic on social networks.
Posted at 4:28 p.m.
Updated at 6:00 p.m.
“Today, February 6th, Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency for the City of Ottawa due to ongoing protests,” the City of Ottawa announced via Twitter Sunday afternoon.
In a press release, the City of Ottawa specifies that the declaration of this state of emergency “reflects the serious danger as well as the threat to the safety and security of residents” caused by the demonstrations. She also highlights the “need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government”.
According to the City, the state of emergency will allow more flexibility on the part of the municipality to provide essential services to residents. The declaration of the state of emergency will also make it possible to purchase necessary equipment for police, ambulance and other front-line workers, thanks to a “more flexible” procurement process.
Hundreds of arrests
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) also toughened up on protesters on Sunday by announcing that refueling protesters was now prohibited. “Anyone attempting to deliver support materials (petrol, etc.) to protesters will be subject to arrest,” the OPS tweeted Sunday afternoon.
In addition, 450 tickets have been issued to protesters since Saturday for a variety of reasons, ranging from excessive noise, non-compliance with signage and suspended driver’s licenses, according to the latest report from the SPO published at 11 a.m. Sunday. The police have also responded to 650 calls related to the demonstrations since their beginning.
“During the night [de samedi à dimanche], the protesters behaved in an extremely disruptive and unlawful manner, causing public safety risks and unconscionable distress to Ottawa residents,” the OPS said in a statement.
On Saturday, Ottawa police announced that 50 criminal offenses, including 11 for hate crimes, were under investigation so far. Charges have been laid against four people.
Financial losses
The crowdfunding platform GoFundMe announced on Saturday that the $10 million raised for the “freedom convoy” would not be distributed to the organizers of the event. Rather, funds will be returned to donors in 7-10 business days, according to a statement.
“GoFundMe supports peaceful protest, and we believe that was the intent of the ‘Freedom Convoy 2022’ fundraiser when it was created,” the platform said in a statement on Saturday. The demonstration, however, reportedly turned into an “occupation”, with violence and other illicit activities.
One of the protest organizers, Tamara Lich, reacted in a video on Friday to announce a new official donation site, the United States-based GiveSendGo.
Indigenous communities at odds
The Anishinaabe communities of Pikwakanagan and Kitigan Zibi as well as the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council have positioned themselves at odds with the convoy of truckers and their supporters in a press release issued Wednesday.
“For those who participate in these actions, the nation [anichinabée] denounces the establishment of a teepee, a pipe ceremony and a sacred fire in Confederation Park,” the statement said. ” The nation [anichinabée] did not give consent for these ceremonial practices. »
An effervescence on social networks
On social networks, supporters of the movement are always enthusiastic. “The truckers, volunteers, organizers, police, people ALL ARE SIMPLY INCREDIBLE,” a protester returning from Ottawa said on the Facebook group “Freedom Convoy 2022” on Saturday. “We were so well taken care of, when we were the ones who went there to support them lolll LOVE AND MUTUAL HELP YOU WANT IN VLA, she continues. This morning I am still moved. »
“You’re absolutely right,” replied another Internet user. Seeing all those smiles on people’s faces…it was such a boost energy [in]believable. Congratulations to everybody ! »
In addition, a man called @Maks_Charland on Instagram also chose to run from Chambly to Ottawa to support the movement. Leaving on Wednesday, he arrived in Canada’s capital on Sunday.
With The Canadian Press