Winnipeg, MB – Statement from Mayor Brian Bowman regarding the unlawful occupation on Winnipeg streets:
“I understand that the unlawful occupation on our public streets has finally concluded. No one will be happier than the residents and local businesses in the area of the Manitoba Legislature.
Thank you to the Winnipeg Police Service for their recent efforts to bring an end to this unlawful occupation.
I want to thank our provincial government for dialogue during the occupation. I especially want to thank our federal government partners for taking action that recognized the seriousness of the situation by providing additional tools to law enforcement agencies that has helped to deliver swift resolutions to numerous unlawful occupations and blockades across Canada. It is clear that the threat of additional enforcement measures made available by the federal government helped to clear a number of occupations across the country.
This unlawful occupation has raised many questions and set a troubling precedent going forward.
At a Special Meeting of Council on February 10th, City Council requested the Winnipeg Police Board and the City’s Chief Administrative Officer review public communications during times of protest and/or other large events, and I look forward to seeing the results of these reviews in due course.”