Ottawa protest: Mayor Waston declares state of emergency

Ottawa declares a State of Emergency as a measures to deal with ongoing protests that already shut down many parts of the city says, Mayor Jim Watson.

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.

Mayor 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.

James Alexander Watson (born July 30, 1961)[2] is the current mayor of the City of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He was a former Ottawa city councillor (1991–1997) and mayor (1997–2000).