Ottawa police make arrests as occupiers face stronger warnings

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On this episode of Global National: Warnings from authorities are piling up against protesters occupying Ottawa, as police bolster their presence and start making arrests. Officials have signalled a bigger confrontation could be coming soon. Mike Armstrong spoke with those on the front line still refusing to leave.

With those warnings of an imminent confrontation, questions are rising on what exactly that enforcement will look like. Sean O'Shea explains how the solution may be more difficult than those seen in other recent blockades and whether a coming storm system could interfere with clearing the protest.

Also in Ottawa, debates have begun in Parliament over the invoking of the Emergencies Act, with parties arguing over whether the government's drastic move was necessary to end disruptive protests. As Mercedes Stephenson reports, the Trudeau government is defending the sweeping new powers, saying they're necessary because of security threats linked to the blockades.

Meanwhile in Europe, a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine is growing more certain after Russian-backed separatists allegedly fired heavy shelling in parts of Eastern Ukraine. As Jackson Proskow reports, the attacks come as the Kremlin faces accusations by the U.S. of trying to create false pretexts to enable the conflict.

NATO allies are also flexing their military strength in neighbouring Poland amid concerns the possible conflict could spill over. Crystal Goomansingh reports from Poland on how locals are reacting to the build-up of troops in an effort to push back against Russian aggression.

And Team Canada met a photo finish at the Winter Olympics' women's hockey final in Beijing, after claiming the gold medals against their close rivals, the United States. Eric Sorensen looks at the Canadian superstar players in the spotlight, and what the historic hockey rivalry means for elevating the sport.