With several freedom demonstrations planned for this year’s Canada Day in Ottawa, Ottawa police are gearing up and say they will have an “unprecedented” response. Police acknowledged they’ve been fielding questions about planned protests and accompanying online commentary and say they’re readying accordingly.
“An Ottawa police officer says this Canada Day will be “unprecedented and unique” with a never-before-seen security posture as the main events take place off Parliament Hill, and protests are planned throughout the day.”
“Police are aware of the demonstrations and are “planning accordingly,” said the officer.”
City police expect a bigger than usual Canada Day celebration plus an uptick in protests and demonstration, prompting a plan for a “major” boost in officers’ numbers with backup from several other police forces and significant road closures.
Independent journalist Andy Lee is working with James Topp to plan an extended campout in front of Parliament, but says she has not heard back from Ottawa Police Service. https://t.co/gfEoAJby2A
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“The right to lawful and peaceful demonstrations will always be protected,” police said.
“We will not allow for conditions that led to the unlawful protests in February to reoccur. We are applying lessons learned from the unlawful protest as well as the Rolling Thunder and associated protests to build our plan.”