Trudeau to invoke Emergencies Act to deal with trucker protests

For the first time in Canadian history, the federal government will be enacting the Emergencies Act to deal with the ongoing trucker convoy protests and blockades, in a 'limited' and 'measured' application that is 'proportional' to the crisis, sources tell CTV News.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be making the major announcement alongside several key ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair

Moving ahead with these unprecedented powers comes after consulting premiers and the Liberal caucus on Monday morning. According to sources, provincial leaders’ opinions were mixed.

These discussions focused on hearing feedback from elected officials about pushing forward new measures to support the provinces, municipalities, and police forces currently facing continued demonstrations, according to sources. Consulting premiers of impacted provinces was a key first step in enacting the never-before-used federal authorities.

It remains unclear how extensive the new powers being sought will be, but they could see federal authorities take over jurisdictional control of certain areas, prohibiting public assembly, and imposing new fines and jail time for those breaking the law.