(NIPIGON, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is aware of a possible demonstration on Highway 11/17 near Nipigon.
Everyone has a right to peaceful assembly. At the same time, everyone also has a right to a safe environment, and free and uninhibited passage within the province of Ontario. All demonstrators have a responsibility to ensure that events remain lawful, peaceful and safe.
As part of a lawful, peaceful and safe demonstration, you can:
- Gather to safely and lawfully assert your rights
- Express your thoughts, beliefs and opinions
- Get your messaging out in a lawful way
- Have freedom of association
However, the law does limit certain activities. The Criminal Code, as an example, limits:
- blocking or obstructing a highway (Section 423[1][g])
- causing a disturbance (Section 175)
- common nuisance (Section 180)
- interfering with transportation facilities (Section 248)
- breach of the peace or imminent breach (Section 31)
- riots (Sections 32, 33, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69)
- unlawful assembly (Section 63)
- mischief (Section 430)
Numerous other Criminal Code sections may also apply to protest situations. In addition to the Criminal Code, limitations on protest activities are also contained in provincial statutes, such as the Highway Traffic Act, and municipal by-laws.
The OPP remains non-partisan on social issues; the police have no role to play in the underlying issues of the demonstration and are not in a position to resolve them. Our role is to preserve public safety and keep the peace. The OPP’s Provincial Liaison Team (PLT) has been engaged and will be present to encourage open dialogue between all affected parties. The role of OPP PLT members is to ensure safety, communication, and cooperation with all affected parties during demonstrations.
Anyone interested in learning more about their rights during a demonstration is invited to visit opp.ca/demonstrator-rights.
Dangerous or unlawful activity can be reported to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or, in an emergency, 9-1-1.
Let’s work together to ensure demonstrations remain lawful, peaceful and safe.
