(Quebec) The “freedom convoy” is eagerly awaited in the capital: the City of Quebec announced Wednesday changes to its regulations to give more powers to its police and thus avoid a fiasco like that of Ottawa.
Posted at 2:41 p.m.
“Today’s announcements do not come in response to a threat. But we have to prepare for the worst,” explained Mayor Bruno Marchand during a press conference.
The Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ) will now be able to “make all decisions regarding traffic, parking and street closures”, without the imprimatur of City Hall.
This change is intended to be “permanent”. It will allow the chief of police to make decisions in the heat of the moment, depending on the evolution of the demonstration, but also to decree “preventive” closures.
“The police department has the power depending on what is happening in a demonstration to adapt and close a street because it does not work as they want,” explains the mayor.
PHOTO YAN DOUBLET, THE SUN
Hundreds of vehicles are expected this weekend in Quebec.
“There what we bring as a difference is that they can do it in prevention. They won’t have to wait for things to go worse,” he said.
Hundreds of vehicles are expected this weekend in Quebec. In Ottawa, trucks have been obstructing public roads for weeks. Mayor Marchand has already made it known that he absolutely wants to prevent the Ottawa quagmire from happening again in his city.
Some observers wonder whether this measure goes too far. “Am I the only one not totally comfortable with all of this?” Experts in municipal law who could explain to us the real consequences for managing the demonstrations? asks, for example, Philippe Dubois, doctoral student in political science and researcher at Laval University.
Bruno Marchand ensures that this modification will not infringe the right to demonstrate. “It is always possible to come and demonstrate in front of parliament. But it has to be done with respect. Blocking traffic, putting a city in a state of siege, that remains intolerable and unacceptable. »
The City of Quebec has also decided to suspend the right to cook outdoors and the consumption of alcohol in public places. The consumption of alcohol in parks had been authorized in Quebec at the start of the pandemic by Régis Labeaume. This right will be restored assures Mr. Marchand, possibly next spring.