Canada’s Prime Minister invokes Emergencies Act for the first time

Published

4 years ago

February 15, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invokes the Emergencies Act for the first time in response to a ‘Freedom Convoy’ that has disrupted the life of Canada’s capital for over a fortnight

#BREAKING Canada PM Justin Trudeau invokes emergency powers to handle protests across #Canada #TruckConvoy #CanadaConvoy #TruckersForFreedom2022 pic.twitter.com/FvYTQz5MaK
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) February 14, 2022

It started as a movement against a vaccine mandate for cross-border drivers but has since turned into a rally against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

This is the first time the Emergency Act has been used to give the federal government extra powers to handle protests across the country.

There has been pressure mounting on leadership to solve the protests in Ottawa, which have entered their third week.

For 30 days, the prime minister can now respond to emergency scenarios affecting public welfare, public order and war emergencies.

It takes effect right away

Once the cabinet declares an emergency, it takes effect right away — but the government still needs to go to Parliament within seven days to get approval.

The prime minister is not expected to call in the military, with police outnumbering crowds.

The legislation will give Police more more tools to restore order, but the PM has confirmed this act won’t override civil rights.

Protesters in Ottawa have refused to leave the nation’s capital, ignoring the threat of arrest and jail time despite pleas from local and federal leaders.

This follows Premier Doug Ford declaring a state of emergency in Ontario that recently blocked access to the busiest international crossing in North America.

The Freedom Convoy has already cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars in lost trade.

The protests are being seen globally

It may be the beginning of the end in Canada, but the convoy has inspired others around the world to stage similar action, congesting city roads and attracting attention, from France to New Zealand.

Paris saw hundreds of vehicles converge on the city, police throwing tear gas at protesters in cafes.

Protesters there are planning to move on to Brussels – to join up with a wider European movement

While the vehicles may be gone in Canada, the freedom movement remains.

The Emergency Act replaced the War Measures Act in the 80s which was used once for the former prime minister during the October Crisis of 1970.

Savannah Pocock contributed to this report.

Up Next

War on Wednesday? Ukraine declares ‘day of unity’

Don't Miss

EXCLUSIVE: Sister’s plea for her brother trapped in China

Brittany Coles

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

News

Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy