Justin Trudeau Invokes Emergencies Act to Tackle Protests Against Covid Vaccination
As the Canadian government – like other governments of the world – has failed to establish the safety and efficacy of the Covid vaccines, most people in the world are hesitant to get vaccinated.
By RMN News Service
Canadian prime minister (PM) Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act on February 14 to deal with the truckers’ strike which was launched a couple of weeks ago to challenge the mandatory vaccination rules.
In a tweeted video message, Trudeau said, “I want to be very clear about what we are – and are not – doing by invoking the Emergencies Act, and how taking this step will help get the situation under control.”
The Emergencies Act gives the federal government temporary powers to handle ongoing blockades and protests against Covid pandemic restrictions. Trudeau said that it is no longer a lawful protest at a disagreement over government policy; it is now an illegal occupation and protestors should go home.
Earlier, on February 6, the mayor of Canada’s capital Ottawa had declared a state of emergency as the local authorities failed to control truckers who launched a protest a week ago against mandatory Covid-19 vaccination and other restrictions.
Mayor Jim Watson said the city was “completely out of control”, with demonstrators outnumbering police. ”Declaring a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” Watson said in a statement issued on February 6.
As the truckers have blocked parts of Ottawa with vehicles and makeshift tents, the Ottawa Police Service claims that it has made multiple arrests in relation to several enforcement actions related to the ongoing demonstration.
Christened the “Freedom Convoy,” the movement began as protests by truckers opposed to the vaccine requirements when crossing the U.S.-Canadian border. However, it is now spreading in other areas of Canada as a broader opposition to the government of PM Justin Trudeau.
As the Canadian government – like other governments of the world – has failed to establish the safety and efficacy of the Covid vaccines, most people in the world are hesitant to get vaccinated. The governments in different parts of the world are administering vaccines blindly and in a haste just to protect their political positions.
The protesting truckers and their supporters asserted that the protests will continue until the Covid-related restrictions are lifted.
