The CBC reported that Chief Peter Sloly resigned due to accusations of bullying and volatile behavior.
Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms’ John Carpay criticized the police chief last week, highlighting how the police force made efforts to work with GoFundMe to remove funds from the Freedom Convoy truckers.
John Carpay wrote in an article that Chief Sloly publicly accuses the truckers of engaging in “unlawful” and “harmful” activities, and of promoting “hatred” and “violence,” but provides no examples, facts, or arrests to support his accusations. The Chief calls for “order” to be “restored” even though “order” has not been lost. His fact-free rhetoric includes mention of an “increasingly volatile” and “increasingly dangerous” situation. As though speaking for an oppressive regime, Chief Sloly has repeatedly called for an “end” to the exercise of the fundamental Charter freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly by Canadians in their own capital city.
Please see my statement below. pic.twitter.com/2tfUDPiKTI
— Chief Peter Sloly (@OPSChiefSloly) February 15, 2022
Statement from Peter Sloly
It is with a heavy heart I am announcing I have stepped down as Chief of the Ottawa Police Service.
Two years ago, I took on this role with a challenge to deliver change. Together, we brought forward a renewed focus on neighbourhood policing, overhauled the Ottawa Police Service culture, and built a service that better reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
It has been a difficult journey, but I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished.
Since the onset of this demonstration, I have done everything possible to keep this city safe and put an end to this unprecedented and unforeseeable crisis. We have acquired new resources and enforcement tools, and stood up the new Integrated Command Centre. I am confident the Ottawa Police Service is now better positioned to end this occupation.
To the hardworking members of the Ottawa Police Service: You have my utmost respect and admiration; it has been my honour to lead and serve with you. Thank you for putting your trust in me, and for working with me to bring about necessary change.
To the people of Ottawa, city workers, and community partners: Thank you for welcoming my family and me, and for the opportunity to serve and protect our Nation’s Capital.