Ottawa police hand out notices to protesters telling them leave the area or face criminal charges

Law enforcement began handing out notices on Wednesday to protestors telling them to leave or face criminal charges. The move comes on day 20 of the convoy occupation and two days after the federal government enacted the public emergencies act.

Officers were seen handing out evictions to protestors inside the parliamentary precinct today, warning them arrests may lead to fines, bank account freezes, vehicle seizures and denied U.S. border crossings. While some did leave, others handed the notices right back.

The notice from Ottawa police informs protestors that they must leave the area now. Anyone blocking streets, or assisting others in the blocking streets, are committing a criminal offence. Ottawa councillor Theresa Kavanagh says she is concerned about the use of force if protestors don’t leave.

Ottawa’s children’s aid society issued a statement urging demonstrators to find alternate care if they met with police action.

Ottawa police did not tell CHCH News how long they would wait before making an arrest, following the Trudeau government enacting an emergencies act this week. The 30-day order gives police more authority, prohibits those who bring children under 18, and allows banks to freeze accounts connected with the convoy.