'Progress' in ending protests precarious, feds say, as MPs debate use of Emergencies Act

Federal officials say that while 'progress' is being made towards bringing the ongoing trucker convoy protest in Ottawa to an end, the situation remains 'precarious' as MPs begin debating the government's use of the Emergencies Act. 'While we have made progress… I would suggest that at this fragile moment, it is precarious,' said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.

While there has been some increase to police posturing in the downtown core and at a location near the airport—prompting participants to brace for an expected increase in enforcement—as of midday Thursday there has been little movement towards arresting protesters or moving vehicles that have now been blocking city streets for nearly four weeks.

“In Ottawa, we're continuing to see progress being made by the Ottawa Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP, and all of their policing partners as they work to end the occupation of Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa,” said Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair on Thursday during an update on federal response efforts.

“To the individuals who continue to participate in this illegal occupation, it's time to go home. Now. To those who have children with them, this is no place for children. Take them home immediately. Take them to a place of safety,” Blair said.

Workers have installed new fencing in front of Parliament, and new red-outlined pamphlets have been passed around to protesters, with police warning “that under provincial and federal legislation, you will face severe penalties if you do not cease further unlawful activity and remove your vehicle and/or property immediately from all unlawful protest sites.”