Officers arrested dozens more people Saturday as protesters resumed their standoff with police as part of a ramped up crackdown on the "Freedom Convoy" demonstrations in Ottawa.
As of early Saturday afternoon, Ottawa police said they had made 47 arrests, in addition to more than 100 on Friday. Police also say they have towed 53 vehicles since Friday.
A fourth straight weekend of protests began Saturday morning, granted on a much smaller scale than other demonstrations seen in past weeks, while authorities appeared to take a more aggressive stance.
Police cleared Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill of protesters for the first time since the demonstration began on Jan. 28. As officers began moving into the downtown core on Friday, several vehicles left Wellington Street, Kent Street and other jurisdictions.
During a press conference Saturday afternoon, interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell confirmed that 47 people had been arrested that day, bringing the total number of arrests to more than 170.
However, Bell couldn’t give a time estimate as to when Ottawa residents would have their streets back.
"We are working with our partners and we will remove these protesters peacefully from your area. This operation is still moving forward. It is not over and it will take takes up more time until we have achieved our goals," Bell said.
Ottawa police say they have collaborated with law enforcement in Gatineau to close the Chaudières Bridge that connects the two cities in an effort to "prevent an influx of protesters."
They have set up about 100 checkpoints around the downtown core to prevent anyone from entering save for those who work, live or have a "lawful reason" to be there.
Officers have used pepper spray, and Bell confirmed they now have batons and helmets for added protection. Crowds have been pushing back against police, shouting "shame" and "freedom."
Smoke has also been seen at various points during the standoff and police have accused protesters of launching gas.
"We told you to leave. We gave you time to leave. We were slow and methodical, yet you were assaultive and aggressive with officers and the horses," the Ottawa Police Service said in a message Saturday morning to protesters.
Ottawa police say officers arrested protesters who had smoke grenades, as well as fireworks, and were wearing body armour.
There were also videos circulated on social media depicting protesters being knocked to the ground by police horses on Friday. Police also were seen smashing a truck window as they pushed forward.
However, Bell defended the tactics used by Ottawa police when asked about concerns that officers may have used excessive force.
"We will have the opportunity to review all of those files that are complaint mechanisms for people to enter into if they feel that there is excessive use of force by members of police," he said.
Although there were fewer children seen at the protest site Saturday, Ottawa police say protesters are continuing to bring their kids.
Children are prohibited from participating in the demonstrations, according to the Emergencies Act, which the federal government invoked on Monday, and police have accused protesters of putting kids in the way of law enforcement operations.
"This is dangerous and it’s putting young children at risk," Bell said.
As of Saturday, the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa says no child has been transferred into its care.
PARLIAMENTARY PRECINCT IN ‘HOLD AND SECURE’
After shutting down on Friday due to security concerns, the House of Commons resumed debate on the motion for confirmation of the declaration of emergency Saturday morning, with a vote scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m.
As the major police operation continued to move down Wellington Street, it was announced that the parliamentary precinct was in a “hold and secure” position that meant doors were locked and access was interrupted for some. MPs were “strongly advised” against leaving the West Block, and those who were not already inside were suggested to avoid the area.
In a virtual press conference Saturday, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said "at least 76" financial accounts have been frozen since the Emergencies Act was invoked on Monday. More than $3 million in funds was affected by those actions, he said.
"I think we’re all relieved that there has been a very minimum amount of confrontation and violence, and we hope that will continue to be the case going forward," Mendicino said.
The federal government also announced that it is making up to $20 million available for downtown Ottawa businesses that have been adversely affected by the protest, with individual small businesses able to apply for up to $10,000 each in relief.
KEY ORGANIZERS ARRESTED, CHARGED
Among those arrested are four key organizers of the trucker convoy protest, including Pat King, Daniel Bulforxjmtzywd, Chris Barber and Tamara Lich.
King is the latest person to have charges announced after broadcasting his arrest live on Facebook.
On Saturday, Ottawa police confirmed King, whose full name is Patrick James King, 44, of Red Deer, Alta., faces charges of mischief, counselling to commit the offence of mischief, counselling to commit the offence of disobeying a court order and counselling to commit the offence of obstructing police. King is expected to appear at a bail hearing early next week.
Bulford, a former RCMP officer, turned himself in near the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel on Friday. However, charges have not been formally announced.
Charges against Barber and Lich were announced early Friday morning after they were arrested Thursday.
An Ontario judge granted bail to Barber and released him on a $100,000 bond, on the condition he leave Ontario by Feb. 23, not publicly endorse the convoy or have any contact with other major protest organizers.
Lich appeared in-person at her bail hearing Saturday. She testified that she wants to return to Alberta to be with her husband and kids, and pledged a $5,000 bond, saying it was all she could afford.
Lich is charged with a single count of counselling to commit mischief. She promised to leave Ottawa by vehicle and give up her advocacy of the protest, but would need several days to make those arrangements. Lich cited not having the required vaccine passport that would allow her to fly and the freezing of her bank accounts as reasons.
A judge decided to wait until Tuesday before deciding whether to grant Lich bail, meaning she will return to a local detention centre until then.
"Freedom Convoy" organizers saw their bank accounts frozen, including Bitcoin and cryptocurrency funds, following an Ontario Superior Court ruling on Thursday.
Other protesters have also left the Ottawa demonstration zone because their bank accounts have been frozen and their families are unable to access finances, police say.
Ontario courts are closed this Monday because of the Family Day holiday. None of the charges against any of the organizers has been proven in court.
PROTESTERS AND POLICE CLASH
Protesters have made a number of demands throughout the three weeks of demonstrations in Ottawa.
Many wish to see the end to pandemic restrictions and vaccine mandates, including one from the federal government for cross-border truckers, while others have called for the ouster of the Liberal government.
The parking of vehicles downtown and the blaring of truck horns have proved disruptive for local residents and businesses, leading to a proposed class-action lawsuit and court injunctions in an attempt to stem the noise.
The protests also have inspired border blockades across Canada and other demonstrations around the world.
In British Columbia, the Canada Border Services Agency announced Saturday the Pacific Highway border crossing in Surrey, B.C. was experiencing severe disruption due to "increased protest activity." The CBSA says the Pacific Highway port of entry remains open, however it advises travelers to use an alternative processing site.
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Quebec City, where officials say they made three arrests as of noon, but the majority of attendees have demonstrated peacefully.
In Toronto, police have closed a large portion of downtown in case another convoy protest enters the city.
Another protest is also underway in Edmonton, and police stopped a convoy of dozens of vehicles Saturday north of the Regway border crossing in Saskatchewan, allowing only groups of 10 through.
RELATED IMAGESview larger image
Police deploy a chemical riot control agent as they take action to put an end to a protest, which started in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandates and grew into a broader anti-government demonstration and occupation, in Ottawa, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Police push back protestors in Ottawa, Canada, as a protest against COVID-19 measures that has grown into a broader anti-government protest continues to occupy downtown Ottawa, Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Protestors gather near a police line in downtown Ottawa on Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Police move in to clear downtown Ottawa near Parliament Hill of protesters after weeks of demonstrations on Feb. 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Protesters react as Toronto police mounted unit charge to disperse as police take action to put an end to a protest, which started in opposition to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandates and grew into a broader anti-government demonstration and occupation, in Ottawa, Feb. 18, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
