OTTAWA – Touch and run. Less than 24 hours after defending the need to maintain the state of emergency that gives the government ‘extraordinary’ or ‘special’ powers, Trudeau revoked the measure leaving everyone speechless. A reversal, his, unexpected and stunning. Only two days earlier the prime minister had justified the need to maintain the measures in force even after the eviction of Ottawa and the border crossings, because he had said, there is a possibility that the protesters will return. It goes without saying that after the first moment of amazement the controversy broke out. With this about-face, in essence, Trudeau, became an easy target, lent his side to his political opponents.
Conservative Party interim leader Candice Bergen, a staunch opponent of the government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act, found Trudeau’s decision to revoke it questionable after defending its use just a few days ago. “Today’s announcement is proof that the prime minister invoking the Emergencies Act made a big mistake. Nothing has changed between Monday and today, apart from the flood of concerns on the part of Canadian citizens and the fact that they are judged ridiculous internationally – said Bergen – Trudeau introduced the Emergencies Act primarily for his personal political gain. And he revoked it now for the same reason. He realizes that he is losing support.”
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Saskatchewan Prime Minister Scott Moe agreed that the Emergencies Act should never have been invoked in the first place. Kenney said that “there has never been an emergency that required the extrajudicial powers conferred by law” and called the measure an “abuse of power.” “The province will go ahead with a judicial review of the use of the legislation by the federal government,” he concluded. “The repeal of the Emergencies Act was the right thing to do because it wasn’t necessary. Law enforcement agencies already had all the necessary tools to stop the illegal protest. Now, with the end of the use of the Emergencies Act, the time has come to end restrictions and obligations,” Premier Moe thundered.
Saskatchewan’s deputy NDP leader also joined her political opponent in criticizing Trudeau’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act. “It is important to remember that this first use of emergency legislation sets a precedent and will have implications for the future, we have a duty not only to examine current circumstances, but also to examine potential future situations.”
“Although the Emergencies Act is no longer in effect, the precedent set by the government by invoking legislation remains,” reads a statement from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA).
CCLA pledged to fight the government’s use of the law in a courtroom because “it is important for the court to intervene as a guide for future governments.”
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh had warned from the moment his party gave its support to pass emergency legislation that “as soon as the measures were no longer needed” he would withdraw support given to the Liberals.
Conservative Senator Leo Housakos said he was relieved for the Canadian people that the emergency legislation – which remained in place for nine days – had been lifted, but discouraged by the damage that was done by Prime Minister Trudeau. “Unfortunately, due to the decisions taken by the Prime Minister, no one will eventually come out the winner,”
