Ottawa’s police chief Peter Sloly has resigned over criticism of his handling of anti-vax protests that have swept the city.
Protesters have blockaded roads and occupied the Canadian capital for 19 days, causing widespread anger from local residents.
The truckers’ ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests against mandatory Covid-19 vaccines began on January 27 and have attracted global attention.
The Ottawa Police Services Board confirmed Mr Sloly’s resignation at a meeting on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Twitter, Mr Sloly, who has been Ottawa police chief since 2019, said he was stepping down “with a heavy heart” but was “incredibly proud” of what he had accomplished in the role.
He said: “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.
“I am confident the Ottawa Police Service is now better positioned to end this occupation,” he added.
Ottawa mayor Jim Watson said he supported the police board’s decision to accept Mr Sloly’s resignation.
“It had become clear that many members of the police board, city council and the general public were not satisfied with the response of the police in bringing the occupation to an end,” he said.
The Canadian capital declared a state of emergency more than a week ago in response to the protests.
On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took unprecedented steps to quash the demonstrations by invoking the Emergenices Act.
This means banks can freeze personal accounts and suspend vehicle insurance of anyone affiliated with the protests, without a court order.
It also gives local police “more tools” to deal with protesters.
Protests are continuing in various parts of Canada. In Ottawa, up to 500 trucks remain parked in the city centre. Authorities said they had once again cleared a border crossing at Coutts in Alberta on Tuesday. Protesters have blocked traffic in the area several times since late January.
There are also plans to clear another key trade crossing near the town of Emerson, on the US-Manitoba border, by Wednesday.
