Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that he is lifting the Emergencies Act by which his government quelled the Freedom Convoy and froze the bank accounts of those who contributed to them.
"Today, after careful consideration, we’re ready to confirm that the situation is no longer an emergency," Trudeau said during a press conference in Ottawa while flanked by his attorney general and other top ministers. "Therefore, the federal government will be ending the use of the Emergencies Act. We are confident that existing laws and bylaws are now sufficient to keep people safe."
"Of course, we'll continue to be there to support provincial and local authorities if and when needed. And I want to reassure Canadians: law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal with anyone engaging in unlawful or dangerous activities," Trudeau also said. "Police officers will continue to be there to protect our streets and neighborhoods within their jurisdictions."
The Canadian House of Commons on Monday night had voted 185 to 151 in favor of extending the emergency powers that police can use to suppress any potential new blockades from protesters opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
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