The end of the state of emergency in Canada
But its application could have consequences for the current government.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau abruptly repealed the use of the Emergency Law, which was introduced in response to the ongoing protests in the capital. This happened on February 23, despite the fact that two days earlier, on February 21, members of the House of Commons had voted to apply the law.
"The situation is no longer an emergency," Trudeau said at a news conference.
The state of emergency regime was introduced on February 14 and caused much controversy and criticism. The Emergency Law has never been used since it was passed by Parliament in 1988. It gives the authorities broad powers, including the ability to freeze the bank accounts and credit cards of protesters and to ban demonstrations.
Ottawa police said that the introduction of the state of emergency helped them put an end to the Freedom Convoy protest. Trudeau added that the decision to end the regime was made after consultation with police services across Canada, who said they could prevent further violations under normal laws.
An investigation will begin within 60 days into whether the government's decision to apply the Emergency Law was justified.
The Conservative Party of Canada and the Quebec Bloc voted against the application of the law, arguing that it was an abuse of power. Other critics, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, argued that a state of emergency was unnecessary because the protests did not threaten national security.
"Today's statement is proof that the prime minister was wrong to apply the Emergency Law," was the comment made to the media by interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the provincial government intends to sue the federal government for using the law. Last week, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association also talked about filing a lawsuit and is now deciding whether to pursue the case.
The New Democratic Party (NDP) agreed with Trudeau's decision to enforce the law, which gave the Liberal Party support (since the Liberals are in the minority in parliament, they need the support of the opposition to enact various laws). However, the party also endorsed the lifting of the state of emergency.
"We said from the beginning that the law should be withdrawn as soon as it was no longer needed," explains PDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
The protests in Ottawa, which began because of dissatisfaction with the current restrictions, have already been dismantled and organizer Tamara Leach has been arrested. Banks have also frozen the accounts of many people who financially supported the demonstrations. The federal government has promised to allocate money to businesses to cover losses.
