All protesters cleared off Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill

By CityNews Ottawa

All protesters were cleared off Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill shortly before noon on Saturday, February 19, several hours into the police operation to remove demonstrators encamped in downtown Ottawa.

Rows of officers in riot gear and carrying batons pushed protesters along throughout the morning, out of the main protest area on Wellington and away from the Prime Minister's Office.

The crowd pushed back with shouts of “shame'' and “freedom.''

The area on Wellington up to O'Connor Street was clear around 11:30 a.m. Some protesters were being kettled and others were pushed down side streets.

The operation saw smoke canisters thrown into the crowd on multiple occasions, though police say they did not gas protesters. They did confirm they used a “chemical irritant.”

Ottawa police say demonstrators are the ones who launched gas at police.

That led to a 47 arrests by mid-day, according to frequent social media updates by the Ottawa Police Service. 

Police say they arrested protesters wearing body armour and carrying “smoke grenades and miscellaneous fireworks,'' noting more were found in a nearby vehicle.

The ongoing police operation prompted Parliamentary Protective Services to place the precinct under a Hold and Secure order on Saturday, limiting movement between buildings. The service notes the area is not under lockdown and staff are on hand to manage the situation.

—With files from The Canadian Press.

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