Speaking Notes for The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
Parliamentary Appearance – Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC)
Expanding the Parliamentary Precinct to Include Sections of Wellington St. and Sparks St.
May 17, 2022
Check Against Delivery
Word Count: 612 (5.5 mins)
Madam Chair and Vice Chairs, Honourable Committee Members:
Good morning, and thank you for inviting me today.
I'm joined by Deputy Commissioner Michael Duheme from the RCMP, who was with you earlier today on the previous panel.
The Government supports the Committee's work to study the operational security of the Parliamentary Precinct, including sections of Wellington and Sparks Street.
And I look forward to your findings and recommendations.
In my brief time this morning, I'll speak to the Parliamentary Protective Service, or PPS, and to the Freedom Convoy we witnessed in January and February.
Colleagues, as you know, the PPS is mandated to provide integrated physical security throughout the parliamentary precinct, and the grounds of Parliament Hill.
It was created following the security challenges that followed the terrorist incident in October, 2014. Shortly after its creation, my office signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with co-signatories, the Commissioner of the RCMP, the Speaker of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Commons.
The goal of that MOU was to ensure a clear distinction of authorities and responsibilities.
Today, the PPS is comprised of personnel from the former Senate Protective Service, the former House of Commons Security Services, and, as legislated, the Director is a member of the RCMP.
The PPS is a separate entity from other law enforcement partners, and it takes direction from the House of Commons and the Senate.
Which brings me to our most recent security challenge.
Colleagues, in January and February this year in Ottawa, and at various locations across the country, we witnessed blockades that illegally disrupted the lives of Canadians.
They harmed our economy, and endangered public safety.
During the movement's early stages, we saw a gain in momentum for across the country, with a significant increase in numbers in Ottawa, just outside where we're gathered today.
They incited thousands, at our borders, legislatures, monuments, and in front of Parliament Hill.
Wellington Street was overrun by blockaders, entrenching themselves with structures and propane tanks.
As you will recall, the Rideau Centre was shut down, and small businesses shuttered.
911 in Ottawa was flooded with calls.
All of which lasted nearly a month here in Ottawa.
Before, during, and after the Freedom Convoy in our nation's capital, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) was the police of jurisdiction.
The RCMP was fully engaged with the OPS, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), other law enforcement partners, as well as the PPS, through the RCMP's National Capital Region Command Centre.
This allowed for real-time operational coordination between all partners.
The RCMP, OPP, and OPS also established an Integrated Command Centre, to develop and oversee a joint enforcement plan under the leadership of the OPS.
All of these actions brought a safe end to these illegal blockades, restored order, and ensured the safety and security of Canadians.
And during the Freedom Convoy, I am aware that PPS maintained its operational and physical security mandate in protecting parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, employees and visitors to the Precinct and to Parliament Hill.
I want to thank all peace officers, PPS staff, and other partners who joined this operation, who worked with professionalism and dedication to keep our communities safe and restore public trust.
Your study will be important to inform future consideration of how to ensure that Parliament Hill, and those who work in and visit the nation's seat of democracy, remain safe and secure.
I also eagerly await the finding of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Declaration of Emergency and the public inquiry into the Emergencies Act being led by Justice Paul Rouleau.
With that, Madam Chair, I want to reaffirm that the Government looks forward to the Committee's findings and recommendations.
Thank you for your time and the opportunity to speak about this important topic.
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