Federal court judges in Canada found that martial law imposed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2022 to quell nonviolent trucker demonstrations was unjustified. According to Justice Richard Mosley, the decision to issue the Proclamation was deemed irrational and resulted in the infringement of Charter rights.
The Liberal government will continue to defend its conduct and appeal the verdict, according to Trudeau’s deputy, who says the prime minister is facing more pressure to resign.
Protests by truckers, known as the Freedom Convoy, started in early 2022 due to travel restrictions and the Canadian government’s COVID-19 vaccination regulations. Ottawa saw a decline in crime as the protests, which resembled a winter carnival, occupied the city. With the blessing of his Cabinet and the backing of Singh’s New Democratic Party, Trudeau used the Emergencies Act from February 17, 2023, to February 23, 2023.
In frigid temperatures, police took gasoline from truckers, impounded 115 vehicles, and detained dozens of demonstrators. In addition to freezing 257 bank accounts and considering the deployment of German Leopard war tanks against demonstrators, the Liberal administration repressed public criticism of government excess. Some members of the Conservative Party, human rights groups, and foreign diplomats were critical of Trudeau.
According to an internal assessment of the Department of Public Safety, there was no indication of violence perpetrated by Freedom Convoy demonstrators in Ottawa. The interruption to government functions has been minimal thus far. Although the Freedom Convoy protests had an economic impact, Justice Mosley ruled in favor of civil rights groups, saying that the demonstrations did not threaten national security or justify martial law despite their financial implications.
Critics of the Liberal government’s handling of the Emergencies Act, like the Canadian Constitution Foundation and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, have said that the law threatens democracy and should be used cautiously. It should be utilized as a last option only, the Federal Court said, as the need for emergency powers was not satisfied.
The Liberal government is unapologetic and will appeal the decision, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who warned that Canadians’ safety and national security were in jeopardy.
Former Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer and current Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre have also voiced their displeasure with the decision, with some even going so far as to call for Trudeau’s resignation and a new election.
Ipsos found last month that 69% of Canadians think Trudeau should stand down, and the Liberal administration had a disapproval rating of 64%. On Wednesday, Trudeau will not attend any public engagements, and the problem will worsen.
