As some Freedom Convoy organizers announce a return to Ottawa in 2023, Ottawa police say “vehicle-based” protests will not be allowed.
“The Ottawa Police Service will not allow for the conditions that led to the unlawful protests seen in February 2022,” said Eric Stubbs, Ottawa’s police chief.
“Vehicle-based protests will not be allowed to enter the downtown core or in areas of national significance and we will take appropriate action to preserve public safety within our community.”
Stubbs also said he’s been in contact with some of the Freedom Convoy organizers.
James Bauder, one of the 2022 Freedom Convoy organizers, called for a return to Canada’s capital between February 17-21, 2023.
Bauder also posted a notice of an upcoming Freedom “Convoy 2.0” live press release scheduled for Christmas day at noon EST.
“The next Official Freedom Convoy 2.0 2023, the @World will be invited to participate with #TeamCanadaUnity #GlobalUnityConvoy23 #BearHugCanada23 #BearHugTheWorld23 #WeMoveAsOneWeStandAsOne On December 25, 12:00 pm EST Live Press Release,” he tweeted.
Stubbs was appointed Ottawa police chief in October. He replaced interim chief Steve Bell, who replaced Peter Sloly during the original Freedom Convoy protest in January and February.
“There is zero tolerance for disturbances and/or criminal behaviour or for individuals who attempt to disrupt our communities with vehicles,” Stubbs wrote in a letter addressed to the Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the Ottawa Police Services Board.
Meanwhile, Liberal MPs want to expand security on and near Parliament Hill following the peaceful Freedom Convoy demonstration earlier this year.
Since Trudeau invoked the federal Emergencies Act to forcefully remove protesters in February, Wellington Street has been blocked from vehicle access.
But Liberals now want a land transfer between the City of Ottawa and the federal public services department to fold Wellington and Sparks Street — a pedestrian street one block away from Parliament — to become part of the Parliamentary precinct.
