OPP, RCMP take control of protest enforcement, Ottawa Chief Peter Sloly quits

OTTAWA — The RCMP and Ontario Provincial Police have taken control of enforcement in Ottawa amid sustained criticism of the local force’s handling of a chaotic antigovernment protest, while the city’s chief of police has resigned from the role.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says an integrated command centre has been set up so the RCMP and OPP can share and assume command over the enforcement necessary to bring about public order in Ottawa.

Mendicino’s announcement today came hours after the news that Peter Sloly had abruptly resigned as Ottawa police chief, while the protest that has paralyzed the downtown core stretches into its third week.

The minister says the federal government’s focus is ensuring the Ottawa police, as well as the RCMP and OPP, have all the tools necessary to restore public order in the city.