After days of dangerous and unlawful activities in our capital city and at many border crossings across the country, the federal government invoked the Emergency Measures Act. Today, the Prime Minister announced the resources that were once necessary, are no longer needed. As such, the federal government has revoked the Emergency Measures Act.
Invoking the Act was done with three principles in mind:
First, restoring peace and order in our streets, and restoring confidence in our institutions was top of mind. Public safety, as well as jobs and the economy, were at risk. People were being harassed, small businesses were closing, factories were shutting down, and trade was halted at our borders. The federal government worked closely to support provinces and municipalities to get the situation under control.
Second, when the Act was invoked, we needed to make sure we did it the right way. The Government will always defend the rights of Canadians to peaceful assembly, and to freedom of expression. As was said before, the Emergencies Act was created to flow from, and uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
These measures had to be, and were, compliant with our Charter. Parliamentarians debated, and the House voted.
We followed procedure, and it is critical that Parliament continues to do so. That’s why a joint committee of parliamentarians will be struck to review the declaration of emergency.
Within 60 days, there will be an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the Emergencies Act being invoked. It will look at how we got there and why it was required, policing and could also examine the funding, influence and disinformation that supported the illegal blockades and occupations – both foreign and domestic.
Finally, the third principle. The federal government was very clear that the use of the Emergency Measures Act would be limited in time. When it was invoked, it was in place for up to 30 days, and Ministers assured that it would be lifted as soon as possible.
Today, after careful consideration, we’re ready to confirm that the situation is no longer an emergency. Therefore, the federal government will be ending the use of the Emergency Measures Act.
While the immediate emergency situation is over, this issue won’t just go away. We need to constantly work to defend and improve our democracy, at home and around the world.
