Article Author:
The Canadian Press
Kelly Geraldine Malone
WINNIPEG — Eviction warnings have been issued for two long-standing encampments on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature.
On Wednesday, a small number of police were present as protesters were notified north and east of the legislature.
A statement from the office of Minister of Justice Kelvin Herzen said that rallies and protests were acceptable for that reason.
However, encampments are not permitted for the safety of staff, visitors, tourists and other protesters, according to a statement.
The move comes after the Progressive Conservative government passed legislation earlier this year to address camps.
It empowers the Cabinet to decide what can and cannot happen on parliamentary grounds, including prohibitions on encampments, vandalism and vehicle blockades.
It is also forbidden to set fire, swing weapons, or place generators, firewood, or other items to support camps.
"These regulations will bring Manitoba in line with other jurisdictions across Canada, regardless of the political storyline," said a statement from Herzen's office.
Manitoba's judicial authorities lead all interactions with the encampment, according to a statement. Winnipeg police said officers were supporting the state.
The government did not indicate how long the camp had to leave the area.
One of the notified encampments he has set up for over a year contains several tents, flags and other structures. It was installed after a possible unmarked grave was discovered on the site of a former boarding school.
A second camp emerged about his June, with large tents set up on the front lawn. It was previously associated with a nearby parked vehicle that posted a message opposing COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Last summer, a statue of Queen Victoria was toppled and decapitated during Canada Day demonstrations after the grave was discovered.A statue of Queen Elizabeth was also toppled.
Earlier this year, protesters against COVID-19 restrictions blocked the streets in front of Parliament for nearly three weeks.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 17, 2022.
