“Freedom convoy”: six major developments in the conflict in Ottawa

For 10 days now, demonstrators who took part in the “freedom convoy” against sanitary measures have paralyzed downtown Ottawa. Here are 6 major developments to know about the conflict:

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1. Supply Blocked

After a second weekend where protesters celebrated, the police were activated on Sunday evening. They decided to cut off supplies to truckers who have settled in front of Parliament Hill. At least seven people trying to deliver food and gasoline were arrested.

2. State of emergency

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency on Sunday. According to him, this will “ensure essential services for its residents as well as enable a more flexible procurement process, thus promoting the purchase of the equipment necessary for frontline workers and first responders. “.

3. Need reinforcement

On Monday, the Ottawa police chief asked for 1,800 additional officers to support his police service, which has only 1,200 members. The Mayor of Ottawa also made this request to Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford.

4. Mediator

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also asked Justin Trudeau to appoint a mediator to end the trucker occupation.

5. Application for an injunction

On behalf of residents of downtown Ottawa, a lawyer has filed for an injunction for the noise caused by the convoy to cease. A judge accepted the request on Monday afternoon. For 10 days, truckers will no longer be allowed to honk their horns incessantly.

6. Army?

The possibility of calling on the Canadian Armed Forces to resolve the situation has so far been ruled out by Justin Trudeau. Last week, the Prime Minister had rather asked the police to “do their job”.