Evidence of meeting #13 for Declaration of Emergency in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A video is available from Parliament.
NDP
The Joint Chair NDP Matthew Green
Thank you very much, Senator Harder.
We now have Senator White for a five-minute round.
Sir, the floor is yours.
Vernon White Senator, Ontario, CSG
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thanks to all of you for being here. Thanks to PPS for your work. It's truly appreciated. I personally have seen a dramatic shift in your capabilities since the attack on Parliament Hill.
I have a couple of quick questions. One, were any of your offices receiving ongoing written reports from the Ottawa Police Service for that period of time when the convoy was in front of Wellington Street?
Acting Director, Parliamentary Protective Service
Through you, Mr. Chair, our service was not.
September 29th, 2022 / 7:20 p.m.
Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security Officer, House of Commons
No.
Senator, Ontario, CSG
You spoke about sending some information to staff and parliamentarians throughout, and I agree there was some information. I don't recall ever seeing anything come out that made me fearful of what was happening in front of Parliament. It's not that I didn't feel it, because I felt it walking the streets behind, but I don't remember seeing anything.
Did any of you ever send anything out advising parliamentarians that they may wish not to attend work, or directing them to specific locations that they should follow to work?
Director, Corporate Security, Senate
I did. I directed senators and staff to stay home on two occasions.
Director, Corporate Security, Senate
No. However, in all of my communications, I recommended to senators and staff to work remotely if they could do so.
Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security Officer, House of Commons
In the first few days, Senator White, we recommended certain routes onto the precinct.
Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security Officer, House of Commons
No. It was walking.
Senator, Ontario, CSG
Superintendent, did you at any time request that the Ottawa Police Service freeze the space in front of Parliament, on Wellington Street?
Acting Director, Parliamentary Protective Service
Through you, Mr. Chair, yes, Senator.
Acting Director, Parliamentary Protective Service
It was about a week before the arrival. My concern from the onset was filling up Wellington Street.
Acting Director, Parliamentary Protective Service
I was told that the plan was in place and they would leave one lane open.
Senator, Ontario, CSG
The police service stated they would leave one lane open for a protest.
Acting Director, Parliamentary Protective Service
That's correct. It was for emergency transport.
Senator, Ontario, CSG
We freeze that area every year for Canada Day and special occasions, so it's not that it's not something that's done.
Does the Ottawa police do that every time it's requested?
Acting Director, Parliamentary Protective Service
Through you, Mr. Chair, to be clear, for Canada Day, it's not for vehicles to be parked on Wellington. Wellington is closed down for foot traffic for people who are visiting.