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
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.
