CBC reports, “Police in London, Ont., moved against the local Occupy protesters’ encampment early Wednesday… CBC reporter Kerry McKee said a ‘large number’ of London police moved in on Victoria Park at about 12:45 am ET, closing off the entire block near the park. …McKee said the park had been quiet in the hours after the police and London city workers moved in, placing protesters’ tents in the back of City of London pickup trucks. About 40 protesters remained shortly before 4 am, with about 20 of those sitting and preparing to be arrested, McKee reported. About 30 police officers were surrounding the park. Some protesters say they feel betrayed, McKee said. The protesters say the city had told them at 10 pm they would be willing to negotiate. But once hundreds of additional supporters who had been bolstering the camp went home, the police moved in.”
The London Free Press adds, “A city legal advocate questioned the city’s actions, saying council was leaving itself open to questions of ‘cutting corners and short-circuiting democracy’. ‘It doesn’t seem like they are applying the law dispassionately. It seems like they are acting politically,’ said Jeff Schlemmer of Neighbourhood Legal Services. …That suggests politics, not legal process, is behind the city’s latest move, said Schlemmer. a former member of the police services board.”
Earlier in the day, the London Free Press had reported, “The Occupy London has garnered support from organized labour, including the London and District Labour Council, Canadian Labour Congress and Ontario Federation of Labour, officials from which have spoken directly to Mayor Joe Fontana asking to not disturb the protesters in Victoria Park. …But the union support, including from Canada’s largest union, the Canadian Auto Workers, will not extend to helping them (physically) oppose eviction.”
The Council of Canadians London chapter had been visible supporters of the occupation in Victoria Park, including having a Council tent on site.
At 1 pm on Tuesday, Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow sent a message to all London city councilllors stating, “Occupy London is a clear indication that your constituents are devoted to creating a political process that respects the needs and dignity of all its constituents. As elected officials who are dedicated to serving your community, we hope you are as inspired as we are to see this civic engagement and we hope you agree that minor inconveniences aside, the City of London can only benefit from supporting these citizens in their attempt to build, protect and improve their community. We call on the London City Council to allow the encampment to continue and to ensure the safe and inclusive participation of London occupiers and residents.”
A Nanos Research poll conducted for The Globe and Mail and La Presse released yesterday shows that 58 per cent of Canadians who are aware of the Occupy protests have a favourable or somewhat favourable impression of them. That’s a more favourable approval rating than the federal Conservatives who tend to poll at 39 per cent support.
