Ottawa's city manager told the inquiry into the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act that police were in charge of the response to the “Freedom Convoy,” and the city followed the force's lead.
Steve Kanellakos said Monday the city was only expecting protesters to stay for a short period of time when they arrived in late January, based on information it was getting from Ottawa police.
Kanellakos said police were predicting 1,000 to 2,000 people would come for the initial weekend and the majority of them would leave the downtown core afterwards. The inquiry is hearing testimony from a number of Ottawa's top officials this week, starting with Kanellakos. By Jan. 31, Kanellakos and the city saw that the protests would continue beyond the weekend. In a text to a city councillor that day, Kanellakos said the strategy was “a negotiation to balance need to get downtown and get them to park in controlled areas.”
The documents say the city was involved in “situational awareness” calls with the federal government early in February, which were informal discussions about what was happening.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ottawa mayor, police officials testifying at Emergencies Act inquiryThe inquiry into the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act will hear today first-hand testimony about February's 'Freedom Convoy' protest from top City of Ottawa officials, including the mayor.
Read more »
Ottawa mayor, police officers among witnesses at Emergencies Act inquiry | Globalnews.caHearings are expected to run six weeks, with testimony from 65 witnesses representing all levels of government, various police agencies and organizers of the convoy.
Read more »
Ottawa mayor, city and police officials among witnesses at Emergencies Act inquiryOTTAWA — An inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act is hearing first\u002Dhand testimony about the effect of last winter’s “Freedom Convoy”…
Read more »
Ottawa mayor, top officials testifying at Emergencies Act inquiryOttawa Mayor Jim Watson and several officials are expected to detail the efforts they took to peacefully end protests in the city.
Read more »
Ottawa mayor, top officials testifying at Emergencies Act inquiryOttawa Mayor Jim Watson and several officials are expected to detail the efforts they took to peacefully end protests in the city.
Read more »
Ottawa mayor, top officials testifying at Emergencies Act inquiryOttawa Mayor Jim Watson and several officials are expected to detail the efforts they took to peacefully end protests in the city.
Read more »