Ottawa police said it will not allow the conditions which brought about the Freedom Convoy in February to repeat in 2023. .“As soon as we became aware of the possibility of a February 2023 Convoy protest originating from outside our city and province involving various interest groups, we began to gather intelligence, develop an operational plan, (and) organize resources,” said Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs in a Monday letter to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the Ottawa Police Services Board. .The letter said it's important to note organizers have not announced their final plans. It said Ottawa police’s liaison team is in communication with organizers to understand their intent, ensure they are informed of the city’s expectations as it relates to lawful assembly, and reaffirms where law enforcement stands on the issue. .Organizers started to plan a Freedom Convoy reunion on November 24. .READ MORE: Freedom convoy being planned for 2023 to the outskirts of Ottawa."All nationwide convoy routes are to arrive in the Ottawa area by Thursday, Feb. 17, 2023," said Canada Unity Founder James Bauder. ."Team Canada will have four solid days of events planned.”.Stubbs said Ottawa police is committed “to ensuring all lawful, peaceful, foot-based protests are able to be carried out safely in our city.”.He acknowledged its approach to protests has changed in the past year, which was seen during Rolling Thunder and Canada Day. .He said vehicle protests “will not be allowed to enter the downtown core or in areas of national significance and we will take appropriate action to preserve public safety within our community.”.“There is zero tolerance for disturbances and/or criminal behaviour or for individuals who attempt to disrupt our communities with vehicles,” he said. .“We continue to closely monitor the situation and are working with our partners to ensure any such gatherings are lawful, safe, and peaceful.”.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act (War Measures Act) to respond to the Freedom Convoy in February. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Trudeau invokes the Emergencies Act in Canada.Trudeau said it became clear there are serious challenges for authorities to enforce the law. .“After discussing with cabinet and caucus, after consultation with premiers from all provinces and territories, after speaking with opposition leaders, the federal government has invoked the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations,” he said.
Ottawa police said it will not allow the conditions which brought about the Freedom Convoy in February to repeat in 2023. .“As soon as we became aware of the possibility of a February 2023 Convoy protest originating from outside our city and province involving various interest groups, we began to gather intelligence, develop an operational plan, (and) organize resources,” said Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs in a Monday letter to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the Ottawa Police Services Board. .The letter said it's important to note organizers have not announced their final plans. It said Ottawa police’s liaison team is in communication with organizers to understand their intent, ensure they are informed of the city’s expectations as it relates to lawful assembly, and reaffirms where law enforcement stands on the issue. .Organizers started to plan a Freedom Convoy reunion on November 24. .READ MORE: Freedom convoy being planned for 2023 to the outskirts of Ottawa."All nationwide convoy routes are to arrive in the Ottawa area by Thursday, Feb. 17, 2023," said Canada Unity Founder James Bauder. ."Team Canada will have four solid days of events planned.”.Stubbs said Ottawa police is committed “to ensuring all lawful, peaceful, foot-based protests are able to be carried out safely in our city.”.He acknowledged its approach to protests has changed in the past year, which was seen during Rolling Thunder and Canada Day. .He said vehicle protests “will not be allowed to enter the downtown core or in areas of national significance and we will take appropriate action to preserve public safety within our community.”.“There is zero tolerance for disturbances and/or criminal behaviour or for individuals who attempt to disrupt our communities with vehicles,” he said. .“We continue to closely monitor the situation and are working with our partners to ensure any such gatherings are lawful, safe, and peaceful.”.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act (War Measures Act) to respond to the Freedom Convoy in February. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Trudeau invokes the Emergencies Act in Canada.Trudeau said it became clear there are serious challenges for authorities to enforce the law. .“After discussing with cabinet and caucus, after consultation with premiers from all provinces and territories, after speaking with opposition leaders, the federal government has invoked the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations,” he said.
