By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service
(Eagle News) — Groups of Ottawa police officers handed out written warnings to protesters in downtown Ottawa telling them to leave or face arrest.
“You must leave the area now. Anyone blocking streets, or assisting others in the blocking streets, are committing a criminal offence and you may be arrested,” the warning reads.
Protesters are also being told under the Emergencies Act, police can seize their vehicles and commercial and private drivers’ licenses may be suspended.
Many truckers have told Canadian TV network reporters they don’t plan to move.
There’s no word on what the next step will be or when police will take it.
Police also have to deal with the problem of protesters who have brought young children with them.
Under the provisions of the Emergencies Act, children under the age of the age of 18 are not allowed in the protest areas.
Police are working with the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa to make sure the kids are safe.
The protest is now in its 20th day.
Residents are frustrated about the lack of police action, having had to endure the noise and harassment from protesters.
Yesterday, the city’s police chief resigned following a meeting with the city’s Police Services Board.
“Like other residents in Ottawa, I have watched in disbelief as this carnival chaos has been allowed to continue,” board chair Diane Deans said when announcing Peter Sloly’s resignation.
Interim Police Chief Steve Bell told the board he thinks will turn around.
“I believe we now have the resources and partners to put a safe end to this occupation,” Bell said.
(Eagle News Service)