On Monday, as we entered the third week of illegal blockades and occupations, the federal government invoked the Emergency Measures Act.

The Emergency Measures Act is very different from the War Measures Act used during the FLQ crisis 50 years ago.

The current Act is time limited and is targeted at specific locations where public safety and/or the national interests are at risk. To use the Act, we must hold a debate in the House of Commons and it must have the support of two or more parties to pass.  It must then be reviewed by the Senate.  Very specifically, the use of the Emergency Measures Act cannot go against our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Here's a summary of what will happen:

• Through the Emergency Measures Act, we are providing new authorities to law enforcement to regulate crowds, prohibit blockades and keep essential corridors open.
• The RCMP will be given the power to enforce municipal by-laws, giving an instant boost to city police forces where necessary.
• The federal government can order tow truck companies to remove larger vehicles – this will prevent repercussions against the towing companies from truckers if the government steps in with that order.
• There will be severe financial penalties for the owners of trucks used to block roadways and occupy public areas; these include the cancellation of commercial licenses, cancellation of insurance, and a hold on bank accounts.
• Canada’s agency that tracks money laundering (FINTRAC) will be able to block crowd-sourcing efforts to raise funds, and banks will have the authority to freeze accounts to stop the funding of illegal activities.

It is important to reassure Canadians that when the Emergency Measures Act is invoked, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms continues to protect their individual rights.

We are not using the Emergency Measures Act to call in the military.

We are not suspending fundamental rights or overriding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We are not limiting people’s freedom of speech.

We are not limiting freedom of peaceful assembly.

We are not preventing people from exercising their right to protest legally.

We are in fact reinforcing the principles, values, and institutions that keep all Canadians free.