Ottawa police Chief Peter Sloly resigns amid ‘freedom convoy’ blockade

Peter Sloly has resigned, according to multiple sources. The resignation comes amid the so-called ‘“freedom convoy” protests that have taken over much of downtown Ottawa for weeks.The protests have garnered national and international attention, with many focusing on the inaction of police in Ottawa to stop demonstrators from violating bylaws, laws and allegedly harassing Ottawa residents.The Ottawa police response to the trucker convoy’s ongoing demonstrations in the downtown core has been heavily criticized for a perceived lack of enforcement under Sloly’s leadership.Calling the protests “unprecedented,” Sloly has repeatedly said the service requires additional officers to end the demonstration.He said in the first week of the encampment that there “might not be a policing solution” to the protests and called for more support from provincial and federal sources.

The federal government has since moved to activate emergency powers to end blockades across the province and Canada.Sloly joined the force in October 2019 following his time with the Toronto Police Service where he was deputy chief of chief for seven years.

He served with the Toronto Police Service for a total of 27 years and was on the shortlist to replace Bill Blair as the head of that force, but lost the spot to Mark Saunders.In response to calls to divert municipal funding from the police to social services, Sloly had previously acknowledged the need for “systemic change” in policing.Sloly resigned and left the Toronto Police Service in 2016 prior to the end of his contract.He took over in Ottawa for outgoing chief Charles Bordeleau after three years away from policing.More to come… .