As New Zealand police face criticism over parliament protests, Canada could provide lessons | Dominic O'Sullivan

Ottawa police have abandoned their policy of de-escalation against anti-Covid mandate demonstrators

Today's action to cordon off the occupation of parliament's grounds and prevent it growing might go some way to restoring public confidence in the police, which has appeared to be eroding since the protests began a fortnight ago.

So far, police have pursued a de-escalation strategy, but there have been calls for firmer action. The whole event has raised important questions about the relationship between the police and government, and about police independence and accountability.

The police are an instrument of the crown [...] but in the two principal roles of detecting and preventing crime and keeping the Queen's peace they act independently of the crown and serve only the law.