The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has designated Thursday, May 29 as an organized day of peaceful demonstrations and rallies to focus attention on Aboriginal issues in Canada. A variety of legitimate protests and information and educational events are expected across Ontario, including activities that may interrupt normal travel and traffic flow.
The OPP is actively working with many involved communities and organizations to support peaceful events and legitimate forms of protest. With a responsibility to preserve public safety and maintain order, the OPP is calling on those involved not to jeopardize public peace or endanger anyone.
“I am assured by First Nations leadership that the National Day of Action is a call for peaceful activity,” said Police Commissioner Julian Fantino. “The OPP fully supports peoples' right to freedom of expression and lawful protest. At the same time, we have a duty to preserve the peace.
“Public and officer safety will be paramount considerations,” he continued. “We are prepared to take action, if and when warranted, to protect both.”
In different areas of the province, there is the possibility that the normal flow of traffic may be interrupted. Some interruptions may involve distribution of information to people travelling on Ontario roadways. The OPP will work with those involved to minimize the impact on the travelling public and maintain order and public safety.
As specific interruptions become known, the OPP will forward information to local media outlets for broadcast. From 4:00 p.m. on May 28 through to midnight on May 29, road closure information for provincially maintained highways will be displayed on the Ministry of Transportation Traveller website (www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller) and will be available by telephone: 1-800-268-4686 or 416-235-4686. The travelling public is advised to check ahead for road closure information and monitor local media for updates.
Commissioner Fantino stressed that a positive outcome for National Day of Action events across Ontario, for everyone, is the OPP objective. “Public safety is a shared responsibility,” he said. “We ask people to be patient and respectful of each other.”
