- Here's a link to an interesting article
from the BBC
that discusses Trudeau's use of the Emergencies Act (EA).
This link,
inside the article linked above, states the act was intended to be invoked for any
of the following reasons:
- Espionage or sabotage
- Foreign-influenced activities
- Threats or use of acts of serious violence for political, religious or ideological objectives
- Covert, unlawful acts intended to undermine or overthrow the constitutionally established government
Do the acts of the truckers and their supporters fall into any of these four categories? You decide. Here's my two cents worth:
Espionage or sabotage that's a stretch Foreign-influenced activities That one fits as there is money coming in from around the world to support their protest/blockade. It doesn't fit as the influence originated in Canada and not some foreign entity. Take your pick. Threats or use of acts of serious violence We've not seen any rioting, looting, burning, attacks on police, etc. Hopefully, there hasn't been any serious threats of violence. Covert, unlawful acts intended to undermine or overthrow the government Certainly, their acts are not covert. What they are doing and why are right out there in the open.
- According to the article, Trudeau's use of the EA, which apparently was
approved by their House and Senate, is unprecedented. With no need for court orders,
banks can freeze personal accounts of anyone linked with the protests. This means
not only the bank accounts of the truckers can be frozen but anyone "linked"
to the protest/blockade. That includes those donating money, supplies, meals, etc.
to support the truckers and their families.
- The invocation of this law will grant Mr. Trudeau's government
extraordinary powers for 30 days. What happens when the 30 days expire?
Will the frozen accounts automatically thaw out? Will/Can he get an extension?
Good questions. We shall see.
- An interesting quote in the article states: "Critics have noted that
[Trudeau] voiced support for farmers in India who blocked major highways
to New Delhi for a year in 2021, saying at the time: 'Canada will always be there
to defend the right of peaceful protest.'" As human nature would have it, things
often look much differently when it's our ox that's getting gored. To spell it out,
Trudeau thinks blocking roadways as a form of protest is okay in New Delhi --
not okay in Canada.
- To my knowledge, Trudeau has not met with anyone associated with the protest. If you've angered a large group of your constituency, particularly one that is hard-working and essential to your economy, you might want to have a meeting or two with them to hear them out, explain your position and hopefully come to a mutually agreeable solution. It seems to me that would have been prudent -- but no. It will certainly be interesting to see how the protest/blockade, Trudeau's reaction and the political fallout play out.
It appears even the horses are
following the mask mandate.
