OPP, RCMP set up Ottawa command centre, assume control of policing protest

OTTAWA — Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says an integrated command centre has been set up so the RCMP and Ontario Provincial Police can share and assume command and control over enforcement related to the ongoing protests in Ottawa.

His remarks follow the resignation of Ottawa police Chief Peter Sloly and sustained criticism from the public of the force's handling of the demonstrations against COVID-19 restrictions that are now in their third week.

Mendicino says the federal government's focus is ensuring the Ottawa police, as well as the RCMP and OPP, have all the tools necessary to restore public order in the city.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was invoking the Emergencies Act.

More Coming.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2022.