Action against Ottawa blockade an ‘important turning point,’ but ‘ongoing and fluid situation’ means Emergencies Act needed, says Mendicino

‘A liberal democracy must be prepared to defend itself,’ says Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, calling Feb. 18 a ‘painful’ day as massive police operations starts to clear downtown Ottawa of entrenched convoy protesters.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says the Emergencies Act powers are being 'exercised responsibly,' and in a manner that is 'proportional' and consistent with the Charter. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

News

BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN

February 18, 2022

The police crackdown on entrenched protesters in Ottawa’s downtown core Friday represents an “important turning point,” according to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, who said the Emergencies Act measures gave officers “incredibly important” tools to a...

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