Daily Occupation Update: February 14
Enforcement Tracker:
Arrests related to convoy demonstrations: 26 arrests
Tickets issued to convoy participants: 2600+
More information on law enforcement efforts is available at OttawaPolice.ca.
2:45PM: Judge grants injunctions against noise, idling, fireworks in Ottawa
An Ontario judge has granted an injunction to enforce noise and idling by-laws in Ottawa. City solicitor David White requested the injunction Friday, saying the protesters were flagrantly violating by-laws against relentless noise, idling of trucks, setting off fireworks and open air fires. Read more.
2:00PM: RCMP seize stash of guns, ammo and make 11 arrests at Coutts, Alberta border protest
Alberta RCMP have arrested 11 people at the Coutts border protest who police say had access to a large collection of guns and ammo and were willing “to use force against the police if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade.”
Police say they grew aware of a small organized group that was part of the overall protest. They had received information that the group had access to a cache of firearms and a “large quantity” of ammunition.
Police executed a search warrant in the early morning hours Monday and searched three trailers. As a result, they seized 13 long guns, handguns, multiple sets of body armour, a machete, a large quantity of ammunition as well as high-capacity magazines. Read more.
12:30PM: Upcoming Opposition Day Motion on Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions
The Conservatives have taken the cause of trucker convoy protesters to the floor of the House of Commons, advancing a motion for the federal government to present a plan to lift all federal COVID-19 mandates.
Let me be clear: this motion does not end federal COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. It does not achieve that. Additionally, the House of Commons cannot end provincial mandates, such as mask mandates or restrictions on businesses/restaurants. These measures are solely under the jurisdiction of Premier Ford. The mandates under Federal regulations are specific to travel and federally-regulated workplaces. We are expecting an announcement this week on travel restrictions.
Our Government has always been clear that COVID-19 public health measures are temporary measures. Through the cooperation of Canadians, these mandates have helped keep our country safe over the last two years. The government's plan to lift COVID-19 measures cannot be influenced by the disruptive occupations of anti-mandate protestors, but instead in response to the 90%+ of the Canadian population who have done the right thing, followed public health and science, and got vaccinated.
The Federal mandates will end. They are temporary. This motion is irrelevant to that end.
11:30AM: Ontario to remove vaccine passport system on March 1, masking requirements to remain in place
The Ontario government is removing the province's proof of vaccination system as of March 1, while also speeding up the second phase of its COVID-19 reopening plan to Thursday — a move that was set to happen later under the province's timeline.
Despite removing the vaccine passport system, businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masking requirements will remain in place at this time, with a specific timeline to lift this measure to be communicated at a later date.
Starting Feb. 17, capacity limits will be removed at a host of indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required, including:
Restaurants, bars and other food establishments without dancing.
Retailers, including shopping malls.
Gyms and non-spectator areas of sports facilities.
Movie theatres.
Meeting and event spaces.
Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and similar attractions.
Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments.
Religious services, rites and ceremonies.
As well, social gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Organized public events will be capped at 50 people indoors, with no limit outdoors. Read more.
