City's auditor general to release long-awaited convoy reports today
The city of Ottawa's auditor general is set to release long-awaited reports on the response to the 'Freedom Convoy' last year.
Nathalie Gougeon will publicly release her reports today looking into the City of Ottawa's and the Ottawa Police Service's response to the three-week long protest that occupied city streets. Former city manager Steve Kanellakos had asked for an evaluation of the city's response and the Ottawa Police Services Board also approved a motion to have Gougeon look at their handling of the convoy protest.
“I believe my Office is well suited to perform this engagement,” Gougeon said last March when the audits were approved. “It is important to note that this request is of significant magnitude. While my Office will keep both the City Manager and Interim Chief of Police informed of issues or lessons learned as they are observed throughout the course of our work (to inform potential future events), my Office will take the necessary time required to perform a thorough audit.”
Gougeon's office says the audit of the city's response to the convoy will examine the city's actions "leading up to, during, and post the convoy protest", with a focus on the period from when organizers announced the 'Freedom Convoy' was coming to Ottawa until the mayor lifted the state of emergency.
Two reports are prepared for police, one for the Ottawa Police Service itself, which was heavily criticized for perceived inaction during the convoy occupation, and one for the Ottawa Police Services Board, which was thrown into turmoil after the resignation of Peter Sloly as chief of police.
The audits will examine several issues, including the police service's collaboration with city staff prior to and during the convoy protest as well as their communication with the Ottawa Police Services Board, and the board's oversight role leading up to and during the convoy protest.
A special meeting of the Ottawa Police Services Board is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the reports.
The reports will also include findings from two public consultations held last summer with affected residents.
The AG's reports are separate from the Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC) which is a federally mandated inquiry into the use of the Emergencies Act last February. The POEC's report is due Feb. 20. It was scheduled to be released Tuesday, but an extension was granted last week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.