Demonstration in Ottawa on Canada Day
Many protesters marched through the streets of downtown Ottawa on Canada’s Day. Canada this Friday. Unlike the one that took place last spring in the capital, the event took place in a more relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Photo: François Robert-Durand
For the occasion, access to the streets of downtown Ottawa and Gatineau has been restricted, with no vehicular traffic permitted in certain areas.
Only holders of an official Canada Day pass, hotel guests (with proof of reservation), residents (upon presentation of a driver's license as proof of residence) and emergency responders were granted vehicular access to streets closed to traffic. For the others, it was necessary to favor public transport or a bicycle to get to the celebration sites.
Photo: François Robert-Durand
At this time, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has not reported any major incidents during the day. It must be said that the OPS was ready: officers from several police forces were present in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. The police announced beforehand no tolerance for “unusual noise”, the blocking of roads or the lighting of fireworks during this event.
Photo: François Robert-Durand
“Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate our country and think. Illegal behavior, violence or aggression has no place in our city and will be punished,” one tweet from the police department read.
Photo: François Robert-Durand
Nevertheless, Thursday evening, four people were arrested in a rally at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. They allegedly assaulted police officers.
