The mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, declared a state of emergency in the Canadian capital on Sunday, due to the protests that truckers have been developing for several days due to the mandatory vaccination measure to cross the border with the United States.
“Declaring a state of emergency reflects the grave danger and threat to the safety of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” the Ottawa Mayor’s Office said.
In turn, the Mayor’s statement indicates that the state of emergency provides more flexibility within the municipal administration to “allow the city of Ottawa to manage the business continuity of essential services for its residents”.
Similarly, this measure “allows for a more flexible procurement process, which could help purchase the equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.”
Since last January 29, carriers have taken to the streets to peacefully protest against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the measures of the Canadian authorities, adopted on January 15.
Initially, the “freedom convoy” began to block streets and avenues in Ottawa, but then hundreds of citizens dissatisfied with the government have joined it and have extended with truckers to protest in cities such as Toronto, Quebec and Vancouver.
Despite popular pressure, the authorities have announced that they will stand firm in their decision. “We put the issue of vaccines and vaccination mandates on the ballot in the (2021) election and we are simply keeping the promise we made with the support of the vast majority of Canadians,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Medicine.
