Winnipeg police demanding trucks to clear protest location downtown
CTV
The Winnipeg Police Service is demanding the remaining protesters that have parked in downtown Winnipeg to leave the area.
The Winnipeg Police Service is demanding the remaining protesters that have parked in downtown Winnipeg to leave the area.
Police sent a letter to protesters Tuesday, saying they need to clear out their vehicles and structures by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
“Failure to do so may result in enforcement action being taken, including arrest and charges,” the letter reads.
Trucks, tractors and other vehicles have been parked by the Manitoba legislature since Feb. 4 in a protest against vaccine mandates and other pandemic restrictions.
“Over the last three weeks, the Winnipeg Police Service has worked to balance your right to protest while protecting the rights of residents affected by protest activity,” the letter from police reads. “Your ongoing presence and blocking of streets is interfering with the lawful use and enjoyment of personal and public property.”
The protest, which was originally parked in front of the Manitoba legislature, moved to Memorial Park last weekend.
In the letter to protesters, police said they can lay Criminal Code charges, including mischief and intimidation, to those who are failing to leave the area. They can also seize vehicles, which could also be subject to an application by the Crown for forfeiture. Police said they can also lay charges under the province’s highway traffic act for obstructing a police officer and not obeying the instructions of a peace officer, and they can also lay charges of excessive noise under the city’s bylaws.
