A controversial organization operating out of a historic Ottawa church has created what it calls a “private security force,” saying it’s needed because police aren’t responding quickly enough to its concerns.
The United People of Canada (TUPC) said it has identified people it claims have committed crimes targeting the group and is prepared to “ensure that the rule of law is upheld within our statutory powers,” according to William Comer, one of its directors.
However, Comer did not share details on whether the force would be made up of outside contractors or group supporters.
“The exact security forces that are involved, we are keeping that completely confidential,” Comer said on Tuesday.
Security and investigative agencies in Ontario must have a valid license, but the Ministry of the Attorney General, which oversees them, said it had not heard from TUPC about its strength.
“The ministry can confirm that it has had no contact with this group and is not aware of any plans this group may have for a private security force in Ottawa,” a spokesperson wrote in an email to the CBC.
The community association is a cause for concern
Meanwhile, some members of the community are questioning why a private security force is needed.
“To talk about private security forces, some residents said, ‘Is this a militia?’ “It’s incredibly worrying.”
Comer said there was no plan for justice or a militia, only “legitimate security forces.”
An Aug. 4 Facebook comment by the organization said it planned to create a “significant security force” and that it had “authorized” its first member to “stand guard.”
The United People of Canada said it has appointed the first member of its security forces in a Facebook post dated August 4, 2022. (United People of Canada/Facebook)
Security agencies in Ontario must comply with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act. They must also have an agency license and can only hire licensed staff. Failure to comply with the law can result in fines of up to $250,000 and one year in prison, the province’s website states.
The ministry “does not currently have an application for a security agency from this group,” a spokesperson said in an email to the CBC on Tuesday.
TUPC is in the process of purchasing St. Brigid’s, a former church and arts center in Lowertown.
Police service inadequate, TUPC claims
According to a statement from the organization, the force will consist of licensed security guards, special constables or paid police officers, licensed private investigators, private prosecutors and a community liaison team.
“Private security forces are already working,” Comer said Tuesday. It will be paid for through community contributions and the group is also considering outsourcing it to other organizations or businesses, he added.
“From our perspective … we are not getting adequate policing,” Comer said, explaining that the force will “provide protection to this property, our members and participants at various events and functions.”
Asked what problems TUPC has faced so far, the director said one of their banners was taken, some of their flags were stolen and property was vandalized. On Tuesday, the word “cult” could be seen in faded spray paint on the front. Members of the organization have also received death threats, he said.
Comer couldn’t recall the exact number of police reports the group filed, but called it a “significant amount” since TUPC was in St. Brigid’s for a short time only.
St. Brigid’s is a former Catholic church and arts center. The United People of Canada is in the process of purchasing the heritage property. (Francis Ferland/CBC)
Despite providing information to police, Comer said investigators “have not moved quickly enough for us in terms of dealing with these criminal acts.”
In a statement to the CBC, Ottawa police said there were four reports from the address on St. Patrick’s group on file, although they may not include recent complaints made online.
The service will continue to “investigate reported incidents at this address and community safety concerns,” it said.
Members of the Police Neighborhood Resource Team met with TUPC last weekend to discuss crimes and threats at the property, as well as security forces.
Police said they understood the force would consist of a licensed security guard “looking after the property” around the clock, and noted officers had spoken to the organization about the legality of private security.
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An organization called The United People of Canada says it plans to turn St. Brigid’s in downtown Ottawa in a community center where everyone is welcome.
The upcoming sale of St. Brigid’s, which TUPC calls “The Embassy,” doesn’t sit well with some in the community. The Lowertown Community Association called on the city to step in and either buy the heritage property itself or provide funding to a local organization to do so.
Community members have also raised questions about possible links to last winter’s Freedom Convoy.
Comer flatly denied any connection to the protest. However, one of the TUPC directors shared posts that appeared to show support for the convoy on social media, and a second described himself as an adviser to Duane Leach, the husband of convoy leader Tamara Leach.
This week, the group began organizing “community conversations” about the convoy. Wednesday’s session is an open mic event with Brian Derksen: The Trucker That Never Left, the band’s Facebook page shows.
According to a post on Monday, the talks are sponsored by a website called Vaccine Injury Awareness. The post said TUPC looks forward to bringing together a variety of community members for the events.
However, he also states that if TUPC feels someone is being disrespectful, they can be asked to leave immediately. If they fail to do so, “they may be arrested without a warrant under the powers conferred on the United People of Canada by the Entry into Property Act.”
Comer said no such arrests have been made so far.
Bigras, head of the community association, said he did not see how TUPC’s message of being an inclusive organization open to conversation could be reconciled with its security forces and mention of arrests.
“They make threats is what they do,” she said. “When someone threatens you, it doesn’t exactly set you up for a positive conversation.”
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