Commentary
The opening week of the Emergencies Act inquiry has been dominated by City of Ottawa officials trying to explain how they lost control of the Truckers’ Convoy protest. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is trying to blame other levels of government as he testified that he had been pleading with both Ottawa and the provincial government for more police resources. A transcript of a meeting between Watson and Prime Minister Trudeau quoted the prime minister accusing Ontario Premier Doug Ford of hiding from political responsibility for political reasons during a phone call in February.
As the fingers continue to point in the inquiry, it appears that dodging responsibility will be a common theme in the testimonies. Officials realize the Truckers Convoy protest was dealt with poorly and they are scrambling to cover their butts. They don’t feel the inquiry will be painting their actions in a positive light and they are being defensive while lashing out at each other….