Peter Sloly, the chief of the Ottawa Police Department, has resigned after receiving criticism for handling anti-vaccine mandate demonstrations that have shut down the city for weeks.
For 19 days, protesters have blocked traffic in the center of Canada’s capital city, infuriating locals.
The Prime Minister on Monday used the Emergencies Act as a “last resort” in response to the demonstrations. The Ottawa Police Services Board announced Mr.dot Sloly’s resignation on Tuesday during a public meeting.
Mr. Sloly expressed his resignation “with a heavy heart” and defended his record of policing on Twitter. “.
Since the start of the protest, I have taken all reasonable steps to maintain the safety of this city and put an end to this unheard-of and unforeseeable crisis, he declared.
He continued, “I am confident that the Ottawa Police Service is now in a better position to put an end to this occupation.
Mr. After more than three decades on the Toronto police force, Sloly, a former Canadian men’s soccer player, assumed the position of chief of the Ottawa Police Service in 2019.
In 2024, his contract with the city of Ottawa was due to expire.
He had a reputation for being a progressive reformer who was devoted to enhancing relations between the police and the community throughout his career.
However, his critics assert that he hasn’t gone far enough to end the “Freedom Convoy” demonstrations.
In an effort to put an end to the protests, Ottawa’s city council declared a state of emergency over a week ago.
Mr. Sloly, 55, was unwavering in his declaration that he had “absolutely no intention” of resigning last week.
With the justification that it would give local police “more tools” to deal with protesters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took the historic action of enacting the Emergencies Act on Monday.
It will be decided to enlist the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Chief Sloly’s resignation is met with harsh criticism from Ottawans who feel the police haven’t done enough to keep demonstrators under control and enforce the law.
He had a reputation for being a progressive reformer who was devoted to enhancing policing-community relations throughout his career.
However, his critics assert that he hasn’t taken sufficient action to put an end to the “Freedom Convoy” protests.
In an effort to put an end to the demonstrations, the city of Ottawa declared a state of emergency over a week ago.
Also Read: Anti Vaccine Mandate Protesters Remain In Canadian Capital Ottawa
Mr. Last week, Sloly, 55, responded firmly, stating that he had “absolutely no intention” of resigning.
Invoking the Emergencies Act on Monday was a first for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who justified it by saying that it would give local police “more tools” to deal with protesters.
To assist, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be requested.
Chief Sloly’s resignation is met with harsh criticism from Ottawans who feel the police haven’t done enough to keep demonstrators under control and enforce the law.
Residents have described witnessing police fist-bumping protesters, disregarded by-law violations, and permitted fuel and other supplies to reach their encampments.
Critics claim that protesters were permitted to throw what amounted to a party in the streets of Ottawa, complete with bouncy castles, barbecues, and a hot tub, with little consequence.
Fair enough, police have made a lot of arrests and issued a lot of tickets.
Residents are beginning to worry that they don’t truly support the protesters, especially after a video surfaced in which an OPP officer was heard saying that he does so “100%.”. “.
Although the OPP is not a part of Ottawa Police, Ottawa Police has jurisdiction over the city and has been coordinating the efforts of several police forces to disperse the protesters.
According to media reports, there are conflicts between Chief Sloly and other force leaders, particularly the OPP and RCMP.
After announcing a state of emergency on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made it clear that he does not want to use the military or have the federal government take on the challenging task of reestablishing order in Ottawa’s downtown.
Who will take over now that Chief Sloly is no longer in charge?
Four of the 11 protesters who were arrested in Alberta with a cache of weapons on Tuesday afternoon, according to the RCMP, are allegedly planning to kill police officers.
There are still demonstrations happening all over the nation.
The city center of Ottawa still has 400 to 500 parked trucks.
On Tuesday, the RCMP announced that an Alberta border crossing in Coutts had been made secure.
Protesters have been repeatedly obstructing traffic in the region since late January.
Also on Tuesday, officers said they anticipated closing the border crossing near Emerson, Manitoba, by Wednesday.
