Days after being removed from Confederation Park, Occupy Ottawa protesters headed to Parliament Hill Saturday to protest the Conservative government's omnibus crime bill.
An estimated 200 people showed up to peacefully voice their opposition to Bill C-10, although several were reportedly ticketed with one man seen leaving the scene in handcuffs.
The bill has been criticized by human rights groups for its mandatory minimum sentences and longer jail times.
"We know this legislation hasn't worked in other jurisdictions," said Ari Pottens. "The crime rate hasn't gone down substantially."
In fact, this group argues it would hurt Canada financially by causing massive overcrowding of prisons.
"It's very expensive," said Catherine Latimer, executive director of the John Howard Society. "If you invested that money into more effective crime prevention . . . you'll see the crime rates go down much more effectively."
"We want a progressive approach to crime . . . at a time the economy is being threatened," Pottens said.
Protesters said the demonstration shows Occupy Ottawa will continue to fight economic injustice even with the loss of its central camp.
They said they're planning demonstrations at a number of street corners Sunday, with a general assembly planned for Monday.
"It's all about grass roots. It's about the people," said Franceso Pelozzi. "We're strong and we'll be back."
With reports from CTV Ottawa's Stefanie Masotti and Karen Soloman
