On Saturday April 8, 2023, members of the public gathered at Jack Downing Park on Main Street east in Shelburne, for a freedom rally. Officers attended and spoke with demonstrators, most of whom were cooperative and law abiding.

The OPP respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The OPP also recognizes the rights of the general public, local residents and businesses to a safe environment. The role of Dufferin OPP in these demonstrations is to ensure public safety and to keep the peace, at which we have been very successful.

Public safety, including that of demonstrators, is always the top priority. The proper use of police discretion is a valid, appropriate approach to de-escalating situations. The proper exercise of police discretion should not be confused with lack of enforcement. Police personnel may wait for a lower-risk opportunity to arrest offenders rather than inflame a situation.

As a result of the investigation three individuals were arrested and the following charges laid.

A 44-year-old male, from Shelburne was charged with:

·        Assault with a weapon

·        Intimidation – use or threatens use of violence

·        Mischief – under $5000

The accused was transported to the Dufferin Detachment where he will be held pending a bail hearing.

A 27-year-old male, from Orangeville was charged with:

·        Mischief – interfere with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property – over $5000

The same male was charged again later the same day for failing to comply with their undertaking.  The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville in May 2023, to answer to the charges.

A 40-year-old female from Scarborough, was arrested on a Bench warrant.

Acts of violence will not be tolerated. The OPP will respond to unlawful activities or actions in an appropriate and professional manner. The OPP has no role in resolving the underlying issues.

The post OPP Arrest Three After Freedom Demonstration In Shelburne appeared first on Muskoka411.

During protests on September 1st, some individuals taking part impeded patient access and harassed healthcare workers. The OHA supports and applauds the efforts of Ontario’s highly skilled health care workers who remain dedicated to saving the lives of people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 while making every effort to ensure ongoing access to all other non-COVID related health services.

Healthcare workers and patients receiving care should not be the target of protests. Protests and other legitimate forms of expression about policy should take place in other, more appropriate settings than a hospital. The OHA and our member hospitals will be closely monitoring the protests tomorrow. We are seeking the support of the Government of Ontario and members of the legislature to strengthen protections for hospitals while also ensuring the ongoing right to freedom of expression for the public.

We are all too aware that many people have suffered significant hardships during this pandemic. The OHA and Ontario’s hospitals are deeply grateful for the sacrifices that have been made in this crisis. While serious disagreements exist in our society, we must find ways to come together and unify as a province despite these challenges. In fact, we should be finding ways to come together because of them.”

–          Anthony Dale, President and CEO, Ontario Hospital Association

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