The Ottawa interim police chief said he did not ask the federal government to invoke the Emergency Act to close the “freedom convoy” in February.
The government indicated that local authorities had sought additional power to intervene adequately, which it could give them by declaring a situation of national emergency.
The Acting Chief of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Steve Bell, testified before the parliamentary committee on Tuesday to discuss jurisdiction issues that arose in the downtown police operation. He was accompanied by representatives of the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP and the Gatineau police.
The Procedure and House Affairs Committee is considering whether the Parliamentary Protective Service should have jurisdiction over Wellington and Sparks streets, in addition to its current administration on Parliament Hill.
Bell said that even if that happens, Ottawa police will still be responsible for enforcing the laws on the city’s streets. Ultimately, if changes are to be made in jurisdictions, it will be necessary to clarify the limits of responsibility of each police force.
the OPS not made no specific request
But MPs on the committee want to understand who asked the federal government to use the Emergency Act for the first time since it was passed in 1988.
We had discussions with our partners and with elected officials, Mr. Bell explained. But we have made no concrete request for the Emergency Act to be applied.
The law gave law enforcement agencies and financial institutions special powers to freeze the bank accounts of protest organizers, create no-go zones for protesters, evict people from rallies and force businesses from towing to moving trucks.
The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Brenda Lucki, made similar comments last week in front of another parliamentary committee. He explained that emergency powers have made it easier for police to stop protests that have lasted for weeks on the streets of Ottawa.
Ms. also indicated. Lucki that the police officers of RCMP I would have liked to have had access to these extraordinary powers sooner.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino told the same committee in April that Liberals are using the law on the non-partisan recommendation of the police, who felt that the means at their disposal did not allow them to restore order.
Mr. Mendicino also said that the national crisis situation has helped to unite the various police forces and ministries in solving the problem.
The police faced widespread criticism from politicians and the public for their lax and slow response to the start of the protest. Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly resigned in Feb. 16 in the midst of fury.
the OPS the police force responsible for responding to the convoy. More than six police departments were involved in the operation to dismantle what was described as a job in downtown, with hundreds of protesters blocking the streets using vehicles in protest against restrictions associated with COVID. 19, vaccination requirements and the Liberal government.
Source: Radio-Canada