Ottawa’s Interim Police Chief Vows ‘Systemic Change’ in Wake of Convoy Protest

Ottawa interim police chief Steve Bell speaks to reporters during a press conference in Ottawa, on Feb. 20, 2022. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press)

Ottawa’s interim police chief Steve Bell promised to “rebuild public trust” in the municipal force following the Freedom Convoy protest that parked in the city for over three weeks to oppose federal COVID-19 mandates and restrictions.

“This past month, the people of Ottawa have faced immense disruptions, fear, and uncertainty due to the illegal protests in our city,'' Bell said in a statement on March 7.

“It is natural that questions are asked about the direction of the Ottawa Police, and it is important that we respond to those questions directly.”

Bell said the Ottawa police force has “built an experienced and diverse leadership team” that continues to be focused on delivering “cultural and systemic change.”

He said the service will continue internal investigations into inappropriate police conduct related to what he described as the “illegal protests” in Ottawa and will develop a use-of-force review committee to review reports on police use of force incidents.

The statement outlined other upcoming measures the force would prioritize including “a new, diverse hiring class that is representative of our community” and “hiring an equity and race data specialist” to continue efforts to increase reporting on police data such as traffic stops and arrests.

“Together with the community, we will rebuild public trust, continue to address systemic racism and violence against women, promote equity, diversity and inclusion, increase diversity-focused hiring and contribute to our communities through neighbourhood policing,” said the statement.

The Freedom Convoy protest began to oppose the federal government’s vaccine mandate for cross-border truck drivers. It soon expanded to a national movement, as large convoys of trucks and their supporters arrived at the national capital in demonstrations in late January, with many calling for an end to all COVID-19 mandates.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared a state of emergency by invoking the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14 to give the police sweeping additional powers to oust the protesters in downtown Ottawa, as well as those who blockaded several Canada-U.S. border crossings in solidarity. The protest in the national capital ended after the police enforced the emergency orders, while the blockades at the border crossings had mostly already ended by then.

To clear the protesters, authorities used riot police wielding batons and pepper spray, with some officers carrying rifles. During the protest, mounted police in some instances also knocked down protesters while pushing them out of the secure area. Police made close to 200 arrests.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.