Police in Ottawa are telling demonstrators to leave now.
Officers are handing out notices to protesters in downtown Ottawa telling them to leave the area now and warning that anyone who doesn’t, could be arrested.They are going truck-to-truck and putting the notices under the windshield wipers of empty vehicles.
The Ottawa Police Service says anyone blocking streets, or assisting others in the blocking streets, are committing a criminal offence and may be arrested.
Police say the people of Ottawa are being denied the lawful use, enjoyment and operation of their property and demonstrators are causing businesses to close, which is considered mischief under the Criminal Code.
Charges and/or convictions associated with the demonstration may lead to denial in crossing the USA border.
The Federal Emergencies Act allows for the regulation or prohibition of travel to, from or within any specified area.
This means that anyone coming to Ottawa for the purpose of joining the ongoing demonstration is breaking the law.
The act also provides police with a number of measures including the ability to seize vehicles that are part of this demonstration.
Anyone who commits these illegal actions could face fines or be required to appear in court.
Commercial vehicle drivers’ licences and private drivers’ licences can be suspended or revoked.
Efforts to move in and remove the protesters are being complicated by many children in the trucks, which is against the law under the Emergencies Act.The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa is urging parents at the demonstration to make alternate care arrangements if they become unable to care for their children following potential police action. It says if parents and children are separated it will work toreunite families as soon as possible.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is not going to use force against protesters and that laws will be enforced in a proportional way.
