Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Emergencies Act no longer needed: Trudeau

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Feb, 2022 03:44 PM
  • Emergencies Act no longer needed: Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government can revoke the Emergencies Act now that the crisis in Ottawa and at Canada's border crossings has calmed down.

 "We are confident that existing laws and bylaws are now sufficient to keep people safe," Trudeau told a news conference Wednesday in Ottawa.

 "I want to reassure Canadians: law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal with anyone engaging in unlawful or dangerous activities."

 Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act, which replaced the War Measures Act in 1988, for the first time last week, saying police needed extra help to end protests against COVID-19 restrictions that had occupied downtown Ottawa for weeks and spread to key Canada-U.S. border crossings.

On Monday, Trudeau said the time-limited, extraordinary powers granted by the Emergencies Act were still needed because his government was worried about blockades returning.

Trudeau said Wednesday the threat remains, but order has been restored.

The House of Commons passed a motion to approve the measures under the act Monday evening, with the NDP voting in favour alongside the minority Liberal government.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh had warned that his party would pull its support for the Emergencies Act as soon as it decided the measures are no longer necessary.

The Senate began debating a motion on the act Tuesday, but adjourned the discussion Wednesday after the prime minister's announcement. 

Justice Minister David Lametti said the emergency powers, which were set to expire mid-March at the latest, will officially end when the Governor General signs a proclamation to revoke the act.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Feds commit $140M to keep temporary veterans staff

Feds commit $140M to keep temporary veterans staff
Today’s funding announcement comes after The Canadian Press reported earlier this month that the government was poised to lose hundreds of temporary staff next month.

Feds commit $140M to keep temporary veterans staff

Canada signs agreement with AZ on COVID treatment

Canada signs agreement with AZ on COVID treatment
A release from Public Services and Procurement Canada says the antibody therapy, called Evusheld, is a pre-exposure preventative for COVID-19.    

Canada signs agreement with AZ on COVID treatment

Canadian military's limits tested in Russia crisis

Canadian military's limits tested in Russia crisis
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday that Canada will deploy an additional 460 Canadian troops to help NATO in its standoff with Russia, including an artillery unit, a naval frigate and a surveillance aircraft.

Canadian military's limits tested in Russia crisis

Office tower planned for Vancouver Bay building

Office tower planned for Vancouver Bay building
Hudson's Bay Co. and its partner RioCan Real Estate Trust announced the plans Wednesday, saying the Bay store will remain at the site downtown along with other retail businesses as part of the redevelopment.

Office tower planned for Vancouver Bay building

Experts react to expanding BC Wildfire Service

Experts react to expanding BC Wildfire Service
A fire ecologist says new provincial funding to expand the BC Wildfire Service to a year-round endeavour is a welcome step toward preventing disasters, while others in the field say the funds could be better spent elsewhere.

Experts react to expanding BC Wildfire Service

NDP asks Liberals to drop EI mat leave appeal

NDP asks Liberals to drop EI mat leave appeal
In his letter to Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough, NDP critic Daniel Blaikie says an appeal of the tribunal ruling would only prolong access to justice for new parents who lose their jobs.

NDP asks Liberals to drop EI mat leave appeal

PrevNext