Ottawa's police chief says criminal investigations into 'Freedom Convoy' will continue for months
Ottawa's interim police chief says the investigation into the three-week occupation of downtown Ottawa will continue for "months to come."
On Saturday, police cleared Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill of protesters for the first time since the demonstration began on Jan. 28. As officers began moving into the downtown core on Friday, several vehicles left Wellington Street, Kent Street and other streets in the area.
However, interim chief Steve Bell says the investigation will not end when the demonstrators leave the streets of Ottawa.
"If you are involved in this protest, we will actively look to identify you and follow up with financial sanctions and criminal charges," Bell said.
"This investigation will go on for months to come. It has many, many different streams both from a federal financial level, from a provincial licensing level, from a Criminal Code level, from a municipal breach of court order, breach of court injunction level."
Former police chief Peter Sloly said at the start of the demonstration that police would be gathering intelligence on protesters and pursuing charges if necessary. In addition, Surete du Quebec officers were seen with video recorders around the Chateau Laurier on Friday.
Bell says the investigation into the "Freedom Convoy" demonstration will be "complicated and time consuming."
"You have my commitment that, that investigation will continue and we will hold people accountable for taking our streets over."
Police have arrested 170 people since the operation began Friday morning to remove demonstrators from downtown streets.
Police provided the following statistics on vehicles towed, seized and licences suspended.
- 53 vehicles towed (46 vehicles removed from the secured area since Friday)
- 22 licence plates seized
- 11 Commercial Vehicle Operator Registrations suspended
- 10 sanctions under the Ontario Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for commercial vehicles in other provinces
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.