My name is Patricia McGrath and I was raised to be a proud Canadian. As an Army Brat I and was taught to respect authority. I was also taught that the police were our friends. I now have over 27 years in the Gov't - almost 18 Years with Dept. of National Defense so I thought I understood the concept of policing very well!

Sat. Nov. 17th saw me joining others at Lebreton Flats for a legal march.
I was at the start of the marchers about the 3rd row. We set off up Lebreton St. towards Albert and were met by a row of police. They were dressed in black riot gear, carried guns, and tear gas canisters. They stood so we had to weave between them. There were also police off to the left side who had dogs that were acting aggressive and seemed poised to attack.

We turned left on Albert heading to Bronson. Having not gone far I noticed behind me just a few rows there were no people as we'd been split apart. Then I heard screaming and dogs. I knew the Police I'd passed were now attacking the marchers. Although afraid and upset I continued… we'd done nothing wrong.

We turned onto Bronson, and onto Laurier, As we approached Bay St police in riot gear met us again. This time they forced us to a stop. They were a couple of men deep and blocked the whole street. The people I was with had done nothing more than march and be noisy.

Immediately to my left were people dressed in black with plastic drums around their necks and small drumsticks. As we stood, I looked ahead at the police waiting to see what was next. One Policeman moved his hand and all hell brake loose. First, I heard what I thought was rapid gunfire (*) from in front of me then Policemen and dogs came flying past me from all directions. They were diving and grabbing at the people with drums the dogs attacking... Some of the group of drummers were slammed violently to the ground and arrested. For what? Drumming? Afraid of being knocked to the ground I sat down figuring it was a shorter fall. Then fear overtook me! They wore black and I was wearing a black leather jacket. I felt branded and very, very scared.

* Taiser Guns

After this we were allowed to continue. The crowd chanting "Who's streets? Our streets!" I joined in. We walked on to the Supreme Court listened to speakers until almost 1:00. Due to health problems I was feeling tired so decided to go home. Having made my point and caused no trouble I started for a bus on Albert St.

Police in riot gear blocked the side streets off Wellington. Standing well back. I explained I wanted to go home and need to go to Albert St. to catch a bus. I asked "Can I get through? "A voice behind a mask said "No!"

I asked if I came closer to talk would I be in trouble and I got a yes. A smart Alec suggested I rush the police to which I replied "Hey jerk, I want to go home not get arrested!" At that time a man wearing a pass and carrying a video camera was moving through the police line that I was not allowed through. A voice from behind a police mask said in my direction "Take another street!"

At Kent, there were more police. I held up my bus pass expressing my want of a bus on Albert St. No reply. I said I wasn't feeling well and wanted to get home. From behind a mask came "You can take an ambulance but you'll have to pay for it." I was furious and powerless. I wandered down Wellington to a bench. Someone who'd heard me said the police were starting to leave Bay and were soon leaving Kent. I headed for the bus. It was after 1:45

Marching in Ottawa en mass is not new to me so I thought I knew what to expect.
However, this time, was very different. I came out intending to be non-violent but the police did not. I expected to see the police not people dressed like Darth Vador's Storm Troopers. Nor was I expecting to be their target. I felt intimidated and angry because I was being blatantly goaded to lash out to give them a reason to bust me.

In O'Canada Joseph Weir wrote of a true north strong and Free and the revised second verse reads: God Keep our Land glorious and, Free. On Nov. 17th did not feel Free! Further to that I learned the police on Nov. 17th were not MY friend and I had no respect for them. I felt betrayed. So I asked myself what the hell was I doing differently than the other times I'd marched and had no hassles? The answer Nothing! So I didn't understand or perhaps didn't want to understand.

Now upon reflection I understand all too well, which leads me to ask -
Did the police have a quota? If so would you be willing to tell us what it was and if it was met? Were we marching too peacefully? Did this mean the police needed to create trouble to justifiably make arrests? Finally how can I ever trust and respect the police again?