Federal Update: Emergencies Act Revoked

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today that his government will be revoking the powers granted to them under the Emergencies Act. The Prime Minister cited the removal of the border blockades, the clearing of the occupation in Ottawa, and his trust that local and regional police will be able to control any further disruptions through existing laws and legislation. This will trigger an inquiry into the government use of the Emergencies Act and what led to its invocation by a joint committee of Senators and Members of Parliament. The Prime Minister stated this committee will be formed at the beginning of next week (February 28th). This revocation comes a as a sharp turn away from the rhetoric used to pass the Act through the House of Commons where Liberal MPs often touted the necessity of the act. However, they consistently maintained that the Act's use would be geographically targeted, proportionate to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and would not last longer than it needed to.

The Act's revocation coincides with the unfreezing of bank accounts linked to the convoy protestors, something Conservative MPs were warned about commenting on unless verified, but also with reports that protestors have begun setting up camps outside Ottawa. The move could be an acknowledgement that the Act did not have enough support to pass through the Senate or it could be that the Prime Minister believes the Act served its intended purpose and is no longer necessary to further protect peace-loving Canadians. Perhaps the worst is behind us and we can finally begin to get back to normal.

You can watch the entirety of Prime Minister Trudeau's announcement here.