I have mixed feelings about the “Emergencies Act” that was implemented last week. It has several provisions within the act that nullify sections of Canada’s “Charter of Rights and Freedom” and the “Canadian Bill of Rights.” By invoking the “Emergencies Act” on February 14, the government has argued that the demonstrations and border blockades are a threat to Canada’s economy and the safety of its citizens.
Over the past week, we have witnessed the removal of blockades at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, the land crossing at Coutts, Alberta and Emerson, Manitoba. Three different provinces were able to use provincial laws to reopen borders. However, something went wrong in Ottawa where demonstrators took control of the downtown section of Canada’s capital. It made the police, the City of Ottawa, the province of Ontario and the federal government lead by Justin Trudeau look weak.
The demonstrators in Ottawa asked to meet with the prime minister to air their grievances. This group was shut out by the Liberal government. The demonstrators chose to remain and create a permanent demonstration.
A private citizen using the courts, was able to get an injunction against the demonstrators who were occupying the downtown of Ottawa. Canada’s law system was working.
There are only four reasons that the Emergency Act can be used. Probably the only valid reason is a public order emergency that federal, provincial, or territorial actions are inadequate to manage the issue. Then additional powers are granted to the federal government that can include regulations on public health, public safety, and economic issues.
The Emergencies Act will be tested in the courts by Alberta’s premier Jason Kenny and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. They believe the government has over-reached in its declaration. Perhaps the most egregious example of overreach is authorizing financial institutions to freeze financial accounts of individuals who have shown support for the Trucker’s convoy. The government does not have to proceed through the courts to gain access to banking customers accounts. The banks can even act independently.
The government is also concerned about foreign money flowing into the demonstrators through online donations. They are concerned about foreign influence and pressured “Go Fund Me” to return funds, which it has since done. It is unique that they did not find fault with millions of dollars that allegedly flowed across the border to fund anti-pipeline groups that were protesting getting oil to seaports from Alberta. That too was a national economic issue, and the government chose to disregard foreign influence.
The vote by the House of Commons took place Monday evening. The Senate too must ratify the legislation. The Emergencies Act is only valid for 30 days unless it is extended by the government A full inquiry is required to be submitted within 360 days to determine whether implementing the Emergencies Act was justified. A year from now we will have the answer.
Former Publisher
Fort Frances Times
