Report: Ottawa police chief resigns amid anti-mandate protests

Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly has resigned, according to Canadian media.

Mr Sloly, 55, has faced mounting criticism for his handling of the anti-vaccine mandate protests that have paralysed the downtown core of Canada's capital for 19 days.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday invoked the Emergencies Act as a "last resort" in response to the protests.

Mr Sloly is expected to confirm his resignation after the Ottawa Police Services Board meeting later today.

A former Canadian men's soccer player, Mr Sloly took over at the Ottawa Police Service in 2019, more than three decades after joining the Toronto police. His contract in Ottawa was due to end in 2024.

Throughout his career, he gained a reputation as a progressive reformer, dedicated to improving police-community relations.