Auditor General Tables the Audit of the City of Ottawa’s Response to the Convoy Protest

Ottawa – Today, Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon tabled the Audit of the City of Ottawa’s Response to the Convoy Protest. In January and February of 2022, various convoys assembled in Ottawa to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions. The City of Ottawa (City) had a responsibility to support the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) in their response to the event and manage the significant implications on the municipality and its residents. 

The audit found that some City services, particularly those within the downtown core, were significantly impacted – transit and traffic mobility, for example. City departments had to adapt to the changing circumstances and adjust to continue to offer City services, where possible.  

“Even with the on-going pressures of the COVID pandemic, the City was able to pivot to deal with the protest,” observed Ms. Nathalie Gougeon. “They had the benefit of established emergency structures.” 

Support for residents was also made available through community partners. But the audit found that these services were not adequately promoted. 

“The City should ensure processes are in place that actively promote the services and resources available to residents during an emergency,” said the Auditor General.  

The Office of the Auditor General identified challenges that the City faced and areas for improvement that can help the City better their response to emergencies in the future and provide more support for residents impacted. 

The objective of the audit was to assess whether the City of Ottawa’s response to the convoy protest was timely and effective in supporting police operations, supporting residents, and ensuring the continuity of City services, to the extent possible. The audit examined the City’s actions leading up to, during, and post the convoy protest.  

The audit has 20 recommendations and management agreed with all of them.  

A full copy of the audit report is available on the Auditor General’s website at www.oagottawa.ca. 

For more information: 
613 580- 9602
OAG@ottawa.ca