What is the Emergencies Act, which Canada invoked in response to Canada’s trucker protests

4 yıl önce

OTTAWA â Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday invoked far-reaching, never-before-used emergency powers in an attempt to end the demonstrations that have blocked major thoroughfares in the capital for more than two weeks and snarled traffic on the U.S.-Canada border.

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The invocation of the Emergencies Act came as law enforcement officials at all levels of government were drawing intense criticism for a response to a spiraling crisis that many here have felt was insufficient â weighing on Canadaâs international reputation and trust in public institutions.

âThe blockades are harming our economy and endangering public safety,â Trudeau, flanked by several top cabinet ministers, told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa. âWe cannot and will not allow illegal and dangerous activities to continue.â

What started in late January as a self-styled âFreedom Convoyâ of demonstrators opposed to vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers has metastasized into demonstrations against all coronavirus measures and Trudeau. Theyâve drawn some far-right agitators, rippled across Canada and inspired copycats abroad.

Hereâs what you need to know about the Emergencies Act and what could happen next.

Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act against Canadaâs âFreedom Convoyâ trucker protest