Ottawa mayor declares state of emergency amid 'Freedom Convoy' protest
CTV
Mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency for the city of Ottawa as the 'Freedom Convoy' demonstration continues to occupy the downtown area.
The mayor declared the state of emergency just hours after Ottawa police said new enforcement is underway to cut off the supply of fuel and materials to protesters on Wellington Street and streets near Parliament Hill.
"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," said a statement from the city.
"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."
On Sunday morning, an estimated 500 trucks and vehicles remained in the so-called 'red zone' in downtown Ottawa, with hundreds of people remaining in the area to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
