Tensions Rising as Police Action Against Ottawa Protesters Looks Imminent

There is an increased police presence in and around the blockaded section of central Ottawa on Feb. 17, 2022. Richard Moore/The Epoch Times

Early on the morning of Feb. 17 work crews in Ottawa erected eight-foot high wire fences along the interior of the stone wall separating Parliament Hill from Wellington St, where the main body of trucks and protesters are gathered.

Authorities left only one or two gates open to allow people to get up on the open area.

At the same time, the number of extra police in the area was noticeable. The one car of past days was replaced by three police vehicles.

Foot patrols were increased in size from four or five officers to 10. The frequency with which they walked around the blockade was also boosted.

Workers carry sections of mesh fencing to the perimeter of Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa on Feb. 17, 2022. Richard Moore/The Epoch Times

Police also handed out more warning notices to the truckers.

Dated Feb. 17, the document began, “We want to inform you that you will face severe penalties under provincial and federal legislation if you do not cease further unlawful activity and remove your vehicle and/or property immediately from all unlawful protest sites.”

It then warned protesters may be arrested and charged with criminal offenses including mischief and a variety of other non-criminal offenses.

Police said, “Your vehicle may be seized or removed; your driver’s licence may be suspended or cancelled; Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration may be suspended or cancelled.”

Larger police patrols were noticeable in the blockaded area of Ottawa on Feb. 17. Richard Moore/The Epoch Times

In addition, protesters were told that their personal or business bank accounts may be subject to examination and restriction, including virtual currency.

“If you bring a minor [a person under 18] with you to an unlawful protest site, you may be charged and fined up to $5000 ... or potentially spend up to five years in prison.”

Police added that people delivering fuel and other supplies to protesters could be charged, as could those traveling to join the demonstration.

Protester Doug Day, from Kitchener, Ontario, has been with the blockade for six days. On Feb. 17 Day said he was not likely to move when asked to by police. Richard Moore/The Epoch Times

Trucker Doug Day, from Kitchener, Ontario, told The Epoch Times he was unlikely to move when asked to by police.

Day has been on site for about six days and admits living in the small cab of his utility was not comfortable, particularly with his large three-legged dog Lucky with him.

“It’s a little rough sleeping in the truck but hopefully we can stop the overreach of the government.

“I'd like to see [Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau stand down. He’s the laughing stock of the world and he’s doing the wrong thing.

“History will not be kind to him.”