For the first time in Canadian history, the Prime Minister of Canada has invoked the Emergencies Act to strengthen and support law-enforcement, and address the illegal blockades across the country.

The Prime Minister has clearly stated that these measures will be:

• Geographically targeted and;
• Time limited 

The deployment of the Emergencies Act gives police more tools to restore order in places where public assemblies constitute illegal and dangerous activities, such as blockades and occupations. This means that the RCMP will now be able to enforce municipal bylaws and provincial offences where required.

The federal government WILL NOT be calling in the military or overstepping on your Charter Rights.

The Emergencies Act also allows the federal government to direct financial institutions to render essential services to address the situation, and to prohibit the use of property to fund or support illegal blockades.

If your truck is being used in the blockades:

• Your corporate bank account will be frozen and;
• Your insurance will be suspended

It’s important to know that there are clear conditions set out in the Emergencies Act to provide a checks and balance. All the measures invoked by the Emergencies Act must comply with the Canadian Charter and will be followed by parliamentary review. 

Parliament has the power to revoke the Emergencies Act.

The Prime Minister has also stated that the Federal Government will be launching specific financial support measures for downtown Ottawa businesses who have been hit hardest by these illegal blockades. 

More information by the Federal Government will follow in the coming days.