For the first time in 50 years, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to provide the federal government additional tools to deal with continuous trucker blockades and protests against COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
“It is now clear that there are serious challenges to law enforcement’s ability to effectively enforce the law,” Trudeau said at a press conference on Parliament Hill. The restrictions, according to Trudeau, will be targeted regionally and “reasonable and proportionate to the threats they are meant to address.”
According to Trudeau, as reported by CBC News, the unprecedented use of the Emergencies Act gives police extra options to restore order in regions where public gatherings are prohibited and dangerous activities, such as blockades and occupations.
Critical places such as border crossings and airports are also designated and secured by the government. According to Trudeau, invoking the act will also allow the government to ensure that vital services, such as towing services to remove trucks, are provided.
Published By: Khushboo Mehta
Edited By: Kritika Kashyap
