Ottawa Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre is touting the federal government's $10 million in funding over five years for policing the capital as a commitment to keep residents "safe from the risks of the modern world," referring specifically to the threat of terrorism.
But Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleau and Mayor Jim Watson told CBC News the funding announced in Tuesday's federal budget is meant to help police deal with unique events in the capital, such as demonstrations outside embassies and visits from foreign dignitaries.
Ottawa police had a similar deal with the federal government that expired in 2013.
On Wednesday, Poilievre held a press conference to highlight the "extra responsibilities" Ottawa has in policing because it's the capital.
"We recognize that there are additional costs and burdens in this modern and dangerous world in which we live. We know that the international jihadi movement has declared war on Canada," said Poilievre, who is also the minister for democratic reform and the minister of employment and social development.
"We have to be ready to confront the risks that the terrorists and others present to our city and those risks are unique in any nation's capital."
'We have to be ready to confront the risks that the terrorists and others present to our city and those risks are unique in any nation's capital.'— Ottawa MP and cabinet minister Pierre Poilievre
Poilievre's characterization of the funding was at odds with the views of Bordeleau and Watson.
"It's for day-to-day activities," Watson said.
"It's necessary for us to work with the federal government to provide funds to help with the costs to our police service."
The press conference, originally scheduled to be held at the National War Memorial, where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was killed in a brazen daytime shooting on Oct. 22, was relocated to the designated "rain location" across the street.
Watson and the chair of Ottawa's Police Services Board had asked the federal government to foot the $375,000 policing bill incurred on Oct. 22 after the shooting in a letter dated Feb. 5, 2015.
Watson told CBC News the city had also asked to renew the funding agreement that expired in 2013 as an alternative to the $375,000.
"We're happy with the $10 million. That's what we asked for," he said.
The funding is separate from an agreement for Ottawa police to provide security for unarmed ceremonial guards at the National War Memorial. The Department of National Defence is covering the $425,000 cost for the season, which began April 9.
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