Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended his decision to use emergency powers as a method to end weeks long protests in the nation
Mr Trudeau has defended his use of emergency powers as a way to end anti-government blockades and demonstrations that paralysed downtown Ottawa for weeks.
The PM stated that the measure was “necessary” to disperse the so-called “Freedom Convoy“ – where thousands took to the streets to protest against COVID vaccine mandates, typically those imposed on the trucking industry.
Speaking to the media on Monday local time, Mr Trudeau stated that “after weeks of dangerous and unlawful activities, it became clear that local and provincial authorities needed more tools to restore order and keep people safe.”
“Invoking the Emergencies Act has been necessary. Law enforcement agencies relied on it to set up secured areas in downtown Ottawa and at border crossings. It prevented foreign money from continuing to fund illegal blockades and it’s making sure our borders remain open,”
Anti-vaccine mandates plunged Canada into an almost standstill, especially after demonstrators physically blocked a main transport link between the US and Canada, that was key to moving freight between the two countries.
