OTTAWA | The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) paid $185,992.85 to a communications agency to support it during the occupation of the federal capital, last January and February.
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Navigator agency staff were meeting daily with PAHO management throughout the crisis, according to the itemized bill presented in evidence before the Emergency Measures Board of Inquiry on Monday.
Archival photo
Some demonstrators of the “freedom convoy” did not hesitate to carry extreme messages as they occupied the city center of the federal capital in February and March.
The firm provided typical communications services, such as analysis of media coverage of the crisis, speaking notes, support for organizing press conferences and drafting press releases.
But that’s not all.
The firm also provided strategic advice and ensured the link with representatives of civil society, including elected members of the municipal council. She also approached politicians to win their support.
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Fears
Such was the company’s influence that Acting Deputy Chief of Police Patricia Ferguson feared Navigator would negatively influence field operations and endanger officers, according to her own handwritten notes entered into evidence.
During his testimony a few days ago, Steve Bell, who replaced Mr. Sloly at the heart of the crisis, also showed concern about the influence of Navigator.
According to him, ex-Chief Sloly engaged in “inappropriate” discussions with Navigator experts by including them in discussions “about how the police were handling operations”.
For his part, the former head of the OPS, Peter Sloly, denied having discussed operations with the firm which specializes in public relations, crisis management, lobbying and polls, during his cross-examination Monday at the commission.
Federal Communication
In addition to Navigator, the office of Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino saw the convoy as an opportunity for communication, according to messages filed in evidence by the protesters’ lawyer.
These messages, issued by an adviser to the minister’s office in the days before the arrival of the convoy, suggest that they wanted to use the “most extreme comments” of the protesters calling for an insurrection similar to that of January 6, 2021 , in Washington.
“There may be an opportunity to use this narrative,” the text message reads.
In response, another political adviser warned: “If we go too hard, it could motivate the crazies”.