The Federal Court of Canada ruled that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's use of the Emergencies Act during the 2022 truck convoy protest in Ottawa was an unjustified infringement of civil rights, The New York Times reported.
The court found the government's actions, including freezing bank accounts associated with the protest, violated rights against unreasonable search and seizure and freedom of expression.
Initially sparked by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for truckers, the protest amassed large support across Canadian provinces. According to the Times, Judge Richard G. Mosley found that the government failed to meet multiple tests for use of the emergency law, indicating the government's failure to justify its use of expanded police powers under the act.
"The harassment of residents, workers, and business owners in downtown Ottawa ... did not amount to serious violence or threats of serious violence," Mosley wrote in his decision.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the government's plan to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who brought coffee and doughnuts to the protesters during the blockade, condemned Trudeau on X, writing, "Judge rules Trudeau broke the highest law in the land with the Emergencies Act. He caused the crisis by dividing people. Then he violated Charter rights to illegally suppress citizens. As PM, I will unite our country for freedom."
A petition, put forth by Poilievre, is circulating online to "fire Trudeau and unite for freedom."
A Canadian prime minister can be removed from office through a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons.
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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