Justin Trudeau uses emergency powers that he hasn't used in a long time
Key Takeaways:
- Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, announced that he would use rarely used emergency powers to put an end to the protests that have shut down some border crossings and rendered parts of the capital inaccessible.
- The Canadian Parliament would have to approve the emergency measures within seven days, and it also has the power to revoke them.
On Monday, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced that he would use rarely used emergency powers to end protests that have shut down some border crossings and rendered parts of the capital inoperable.
"The blockades are harming our economy and putting public safety in jeopardy," Trudeau said at a press conference. "Illegal and dangerous activities cannot and will not be tolerated."
Frustration has grown due to what critics see as permissive police response to protests in Windsor, Ontario, and Ottawa, the nation's capital, where protests are now in their 3rd week.
"Despite their best steps, it is now clear that law enforcement's ability to effectively enforce the law faces serious challenges," Trudeau said.
Protesters blocked the Ambassador Bridge, a vital trade route to Detroit before police cleared the area for six days.
People opposed to Trudeau's policies about everything from pandemic restrictions to a carbon tax have joined the "Freedom Convoy" protests, which began with Canadian truckers trying to oppose a Covid-19 vaccinate-or-quarantine mandate for cross-border drivers.
The federal government can override the provinces and authorize special temporary steps to ensure security throughout national emergencies under the 1988 Emergencies Act.
Trudeau's father, former PM Pierre Trudeau, used the law once before in peacetime in 1970.
Four provincial premiers — Alberta's, Quebec's, Manitoba's, and Saskatchewan's — had previously expressed opposition to plans to invoke the act, claiming that it was unnecessary.
The emergency measures would have to be approved by the Canadian Parliament within seven days, and it also has the power to revoke them.