Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency after 9 days of the Freedom Convoy rally occupying the city, claiming the demonstration is a “serious danger” to residents.
“Declaring a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” the City of Ottawa announced on Sunday.
“It also provides greater flexibility within the municipal administration to enable the City of Ottawa to manage business continuity for essential services for its residents and enables a more flexible procurement process, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.”
“DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY! THEY’RE DANCING!” https://t.co/XUz0QT5TEF
— The Columbia Bugle (@ColumbiaBugle) February 6, 2022
Bouncy castles in Ottawa pic.twitter.com/ydfjUCzUGd
— Justice Centre (@JCCFCanada) February 6, 2022
This what a State of Emergency looks like in Canada. pic.twitter.com/n9j7PNOgUj
— The Next News Network (@NextNewsNetwork) February 6, 2022
Ottawa state of emergency pic.twitter.com/4zLUa3cVfg
— Wittgenstein (@backtolife_2019) February 6, 2022
Shortly after, the Ottawa Police Department announced they would begin arresting anybody who provides “material support” such as fuel or food to the Canadian Freedom Convoy.
IMPORTANT: Anyone attempting to bring material supports (gas, etc.) to the demonstrators could be subject to arrest. Enforcement is underway. #ottawa #ottnews pic.twitter.com/tp4e5d2xe1
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) February 6, 2022
“It is not illegal to bring gas to someone,” noted Rebel News founder Ezra Levant. “Ottawa Police have obviously been instructed with political errands for the mayor or [Prime Minister] Trudeau.”
“They have no legal authority to simply declare peaceful protests unlawful or to punish people like this. They’re breaking the law,” he added.
It is not illegal to bring gas to someone. Ottawa Police have obviously been instructed with political errands for the mayor or Trudeau. They have no legal authority to simply declare peaceful protests unlawful or to punish people like this. They’re breaking the law. https://t.co/a4mhX3ObR3
— Ezra Levant (@ezralevant) February 6, 2022
Canadian prisons:
What are you in for?
Church. You?
Donating firewood.
Hey new guy. What did you do?
Terrorism. I honked after 7. https://t.co/Pa5DwFXgui
— Sheila Gunn Reid (@SheilaGunnReid) February 6, 2022
Is food next? “assisting an illegal activity” https://t.co/T0sEUhcXfz
— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) February 6, 2022
Westphalian Times reporter Marie Oakes claimed she asked a representative of the Ottawa Police to explain what law or statute grants them the authority to arrest Freedom Convoy supporters for providing fuel or food, but was denied an answer.
I just called the Ottawa police media relations and they said they aren’t aware of this tweet and would not provide me with a law that could lead to an arrest on these grounds.
The police personnel then hung up the phone. https://t.co/QQs6RVOwDt
— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) February 6, 2022
Powerful! The Message Of TruckStock: The Canadian Convoy Is Inspiring The World