Justin Trudeau invokes Emergency power To Stop Covid-19 Truckers Protest
Canadian Prime Minster see no other way in handling protests against COVID-19
On February 14, Canadian Prime Minster, Justin Trudeau made the decision to invoke emergency powers to stop COVID-19 protesters.
Political figures and liberal groups have labeled this action as the biggest risk in his political career. Hence, no political figure has done so in Canadian history.
“The Emergencies Act can only be invoked when a situation ‘seriously threatens the ability of the Government of Canada to preserve the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Canada’ & when the situation ‘cannot be effectively dealt with under any other law of Canada,’” it said on Twitter.
The government has the authority to shut down crowdfunding and can freeze the bank accounts of any person aiding demonstrators.
For most of February truck drivers have been protesting the harmfulness of the vaccine mandate to the trucking industry. The argument is that the mandate would fuel a surge in driver turnover. Along with attrition since many may not participate in taking the vaccine.
Trucker have used extensive forms of protesting by parking their rigs blocking traffic. As well as intersections where there is daily movement.
This has brought chaos to the capital creating difficulty for the Ottawa police for restoring order. When it comes to extensive protesting Ottawa police may not have the accurate resources or the leadership to act effectively to maintain order.
Despite the lack of control, some Canadian citizens view his actions as “responsible.” While others describe it has a government reach. Followed by
“We’re not using the Emergencies Act to call in the military,” Trudeau said. We are not limiting people’s freedom of speech,” he continued. “We are not limiting freedom of peaceful assembly [or] preventing people from exercising their right to protest legally.”