A new dedicated Ottawa Police unit is coming to Parliament Hill

More law enforcement: A bigger police presence is coming to Parliament Hill after the federal government announced $50 million over five years would go towards a new dedicated team of officers. 

The deal with Ottawa Police aims to address security concerns and an influx of protests seen in the Parliamentary district. A large law enforcement presence has already been seen in the area after the so-called “Freedom” trucker convoy and demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas Middle Eastern war. 

Funding, which was first announced during the 2024 federal budget, will be used for an expanded presence stretching from Wellington Street to Queen Street and including buildings such as the Senate of Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office, reported CTV. 

Public Safety Minister and Ottawa South Liberal MP David McGuinty said elected officials are dealing with increased threats — especially women. The goal of the investment is also to ensure that Parliament Hill stays open to the public. 

• “We want to make sure Parliament Hill isn’t turned into some sort of fortress. We need to jealously safeguard and secure the right to protest, the right to visit… that’s a fundamental part of our democracy,” said McGuinty.  “But at the same time, we understand we’re facing a new threat landscape—we saw that with the (Freedom) convoy… What we’re seeing now is a five-year opportunity to improve the situation.”

Incidents are already happening: In September federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh confronted demonstrators who accused him of being a “corrupt bastard," wrote CBC. 

• After the incident Singh wrote on X: “For days now, bullies in Ottawa have been spewing hate and harassing Canadians who don't agree with them. An Indigenous woman being called a Nazi. Staff being harassed. Journalists being yelled at. That’s the country Pierre Poilievre wants. Me? I believe everyone should feel safe walking our streets. I believe we need to stand up to bullies and shut down hate.  Canadians believe in lifting each other up. Not tearing each other down. Stand with us.”

The process will take time: Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs said the new team is already being created and will be built up over the next three years. A total of 49 civilian and sworn employees will make up the law enforcement patrolling the Parliament district, reported the Ottawa Citizen. 

• “This initiative goes beyond a visible police presence. It also represents our commitment to addressing the concerns of politicians, the residents, the workers, and visitors in the parliamentary district. Together, we will continue to ensure that Ottawa remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” said Stubbs.