Posted: 07.02.2022 14:39:00

Ottawa Mayor declared state of emergency due to truckers’ protests

The Mayor of Canadian Ottawa, Jim Watson, declared a state of emergency in connection with the ongoing truckers’ protests against harsh anti-COVID measures, RIA Novosti reports

Photo: www.reuters.com

"The declaration of a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government," Mr. Watson said in a comment to CP24 TV channel.

According to the Ottawa Mayor, the state of emergency will enable the administration to be ‘more flexible’.

Earlier on February 6th, Mr. Watson said that the situation in Ottawa had got out of control amid protests. Mass demonstrations against anti-COVID restrictions (including the requirement of vaccination for international truckers) have been going on in Canada since the end of January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau left the capital for security reasons.