PM Justin Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act in response to ongoing protests
What is happening in Canada?
Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau has invoked the Emergencies Act to crack down on anti-vaccine mandate protests.
The Canadian prime minister said the measures would be “time-limited”, “reasonable and proportionate” and will not include military deployment.
It all started with the Canadian truckers blockade
The Canadian truckers blockade began as a simple demonstration against the ‘draconian measures’ imposed by the Canadian Government.
Who have now empowered Banks to freeze the personal accounts of anyone linked to the current protests that have rocked Canada.
On Sunday, law enforcement forcibly move anti-mandate protesters at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor – the bridge is a crucial pathway needed for Canada-USA trade and has for a week been blocked by truckers.
Why did the Canadian protests start?
The protests started as a rally against a new rule that all truckers must be vaccinated to cross the US-Canada border (or quarantine on return) and has since grown into a wider challenge against some Covid health restrictions.
Especially those that prevent the unvaccinated to work or travel like the rest of the Canadian citizens.
However, the authorities disagree “This is about keeping Canadians safe, protecting people’s jobs,” Mr Trudeau told a news conference on Monday.
The Canadian PM said the police will be given “more tools” to imprison or fine protesters and protect critical infrastructure.
The legislation is temporary and will be applied in a highly specific manner.
The protests have since gone global, inspiring Italian and french demonstrations using similar methods to make a stance.
Canada border truckers protests – In week 3
The Canadian PM has been slammed by his critics who highlight the PM’s support of the farmers in India who blocked major highways to New Feli in 2021.
Trudeau said at the time: “Canda will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.”
The latest move comes as protests in Canada enter their third week and have inspired global rallies.
Extreme measures – Banks will freeze bank accounts
The Canadian banks will be able to freeze the personal accounts of anyone linked to the protest without needing a court order.
The powers also extend to motor insurance of those involved which can also be suspended, according to Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland.
As part of the effort, the deputy PM announced they were broadening Canada’s “terrorist funding” rules to cover cryptocurrencies and crowdfunding platforms.
It was reported that hackers released details of what they say were 93,000 donations for the truckers – that’s $8.4m on the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo.
What are the facts?
- Since late January truck drivers have protested in Canadian cities, occupying parts of Ottawa and the country’s most vital trade route to the USA in protest of Covid restrictions and vaccine mandates.
- The once-narrow protest dubbed the “Freedom Convoy,” has spiralled into a broader movement that has been hijacked by the far-right.
- Last week Ontario declared a state of emergency over the protests
- Most Canadian truckers are vaccinated and trucking associations have distanced themselves from the protests.
- PM Justin Trudeau has invoked the never-used Emergencies Act to give his government enhanced authority in response to the anti-vaccine mandate protests and blockades gripping Canada.
- Canadians are responsible for roughly half of the money raised online for the trucker convoy, leaked data shows.
- Alberta police arrest 11 protesters and seize a cache of weapons near the border.
- Ontario will no longer require people to show proof of vaccination to enter any indoor spaces.
- Auto production restarts after the Ambassador Bridge is cleared.