Canada protests: State of emergency declared in Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is in a State of Emergency (SOE) following a declaration on Sunday.

Mayor Jim Watson explained that the measure was to deal with protests that already shut down many parts of the city.

Thousands of truckers and sympathizers have been on the streets for nearly two weeks despite government warnings.

The ‘Freedom Convoy’ commenced in January in opposition to the Canadian vaccine requirement for cross-border truckers.

Watson warned of “serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents” due to ongoing demonstrations.

The Mayor said the SOE “highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government”.

The protesters demand that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration carry out thorough health reforms.

The government would not yield on the vaccination rules, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino stated on Sunday.

Ottawa police are collecting financial, digital, vehicle registration and other evidence for use in criminal prosecutions.