On February 14, 2022, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked infrequently- used emergency powers, in order to bring an end to trucker- led protests against Covid health rules.

Key Points

  • Emergency powers were invoked after police arrested 11 people with a “ cache of firearms”, who were blocking a border with the United States.
  • It’s only the second time in Canadian history that similar powers have been invoked in peacetime.
  • Powers were invoked as hundreds of big rigs still clogged the streets of Ottawa, and two border crossings.
  • Prime Minister further said, military would not be deployed at this stage. Still, authorities would be granted more powers of arresting protesters and seize their trucks to clear leaguers, besides putting ban on financing of the protests.

About the protest “ Freedom Convoy”
The Freedom Convoy is a series of protests and blockades, ongoing in Canada. It was started by truckers against COVID-19 vaccine authorizations and restrictions. It was firstly created to protest against the “ need of vaccination” for crossing the United States border. Latterly, it evolved into a protest about COVID-19 restrictions in general. It started on January 22, 2022 as hundreds of vehicles formed convoys from several points.

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