As it happened: Ottawa police warn against supplying ‘material supports’ to protesters

Ottawa police announced Sunday that anyone attempting to bring “material supports” like gas to the convoy of protesters could be subject to arrest.

Police said that 100 tickets were issued on Sunday and seven people were arrested, mostly for mischief and one for driving while prohibited. Earlier Sunday, Ottawa police said that more than 450 tickets have been issued in connection with the anti-mandate protests since Saturday morning.

Fuel had also been seized Sunday, including at a staging area. Police warned anyone who brings fuel to demonstration trucks that they could be charged or arrested.

In a press release issued Sunday, the force said overnight “demonstrators exhibited extremely disruptive and unlawful behaviour, which presented risks to public safety and unacceptable distress for Ottawa residents.”

On late Sunday afternoon, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency to give the city more flexibility to deal with ongoing protests that have overwhelmed local resources.

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In a brief release, the city said the decision reflects the “serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents” from protesters encamped through much of the downtown core.

For over a week, hundreds of protesters have been disrupting traffic and setting up infrastructure in Confederation Park, as well as along Wellington Street across from Parliament Hill.

0:59 Trucker protests: Bloc Québécois MP suggests ‘crisis team’ creation to deal with ‘siege’ on Ottawa

Meanwhile, weekend protests in solidarity with the Ottawa event are ongoing across Canada, with protesters gathering in Toronto, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Regina, and Victoria, as well as the Coutts, Alta., border crossing.

The demonstration started as a show of opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers, but has since expanded to a broader protest against the Justin Trudeau government.

— with files from The Canadian Press and Global’s Hannah Jackson