Good morning, Ottawa. Environment Canada reports that rain this morning will turn to snow this afternoon becoming heavy tonight with a high of 8C and low of -11C. A winter storm warning and statement has been issued for Ottawa with hazardous winter conditions at night, including reduced visibility and up to 30 cm of snow on the ground by Friday morning.
More police in downtown Ottawa as effort to end convoy ramps up
New protective fencing was erected Thursday morning in the protest “red” zone on Parliament Hill and Wellington Street. Formal notices were handed out to demonstrators Wednesday and again Thursday morning. Interim Ottawa police chief Steve Bell said Wednesday night this process will “take time over a number of days to execute and achieve,” CTV News reports.
Deans voted out as Ottawa Police Services Board chair
One day after Ottawa’s police chief resigned in the midst of historic civil unrest, city council voted to overhaul the police board and remove chair Diane Deans in a meeting full of high drama and vitriolic accusations. CBC has more.
Trudeau begins debate over imposition of Emergencies Act
Parliamentarians are getting a chance to hold Trudeau’s historic decision to scrutiny Thursday morning. The debate began just after 10 a.m. If a vote on the motion to proceed with the measures outlined by the act fails, the state of emergency will be revoked, Global News reports.
Two-thirds of Canadians support use of Emergenices Act: poll
An online Maru Public Opinion poll surveying more than 1,500 adults between Tuesday and Wednesday revealed that two-thirds of Canadians support invoking of the Emergencies Act and believe it’s time to clear out Ottawa’s Freedom Convoy, “even if people get hurt in the process”. Some 54 per cent also said they are “ashamed” of how politicians have let the demonstrations get out of hand. The National Post has more.
Canadian women take home hockey gold medal
On the back of two goals by captain Marie-Philip Poulin and a 38-save performance by goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, the Canadian women punctuated an undefeated tournament run Thursday by defeating Team USA 3-2 to capture the country’s fifth Olympic hockey gold medal. Olympic.ca has more.