(Listen to Trudeau’s announcement above)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government has now ended its use of the Emergencies Act.
The Act was put to use to address anti-mandate blockades and protests after a weeks-long blockade in Ottawa that police had not dispersed until this past weekend.
Trudeau said this afternoon order has been restored and the blockades and occupation are over, explaining, “We are confident that existing laws and bylaws are now sufficient to keep people safe. Of course, we will continue to be there to support provincial and local authorities if and when needed. And I want to reassure Canadians, law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal with anyone engaging in unlawful or dangerous activities.”
The Senate was still debating this afternoon on Monday’s House of Commons vote in favour of the Act. The Conservatives and Bloc voted against it and the Liberals and NDP voted for it.
Trudeau says the Act will be revoked when the Governor General signs the proclamation in the coming hours.
An inquiry will begin within 60 days which is part of the process when the act is invoked.
Trudeau said his statement, “It will look at how we got there and why it was required. It could look at policing. The inquiry could also examine the funding , influence and disinformation that supported the illegal blokades and occupations both foreign and domestic.”