All Speech to be Monitored and Approved by Police in Ottawa

Ottawa police have sworn to monitor speech and gestures on Canada Day, adding that they will “actively respond to” anything deemed offensive.

While speaking at a Canada Day planning update meeting, interim OPS chief Steve Bell responded to a question regarding potentially offensive speech (speech deemed homophobic, misogynistic, or potentially racist), saying that no such speech would be tolerated.

“I think the easiest way to answer that is just with a no,” said Bell, adding that Ottawa police will “actively respond to” and investigate hate or bias crime incidents, intimidation or threats, reports the Ottawa Citizen.

In an email to the Ottawa Citizen, Police Service spokesperson Cst. Mike Cudrasov wrote, “Communicating (words spoken or written, gestures or signs) homophobic, misogynistic, and/or racist messages in a public place will be investigated and can lead to various criminal charges including public incitement of hatred Sec 319(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.”

“These will NOT be tolerated.”

Potentially offensive speech isn’t the only thing that police say they’ll be looking out for, though. Camping is also a hot topic this year.

“Camping and the placement of structures in City Parks are not permitted unless the authority to do so has been granted through a permit. Enforcement will be on a zero-tolerance basis.,” Ottawa By-law tweeted.

Leading up to Canada Day, police promised that they would have an “unprecedented and unique” response to any protests planned. Just five days ago, they revealed what that response would entail.

On June 24, the City of Ottawa announced several restrictions for Canada Day, including a barricaded motor vehicle control zone with police checkpoints to ban protesters’ vehicles.

https://www.activistpost.com/2022/06/all-speech-to-be-monitored-and-approved-by-police-in-ottawa.html