New Commission on the invocation of the Emergencies Act
In February, when blockades and occupations across the country disrupted our economy, hurt workers, and endangered public safety, our government invoked the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to end them.
Invoking the Emergencies Act was a decision taken only after careful consideration and with significant caution.
When our government invoked the Emergencies Act to help end the illegal blockades and get our country moving again, we committed to Canadians that we’d be upfront and transparent about it. We have kept that commitment – and today we’re taking a further step with the establishment of the Public Order Emergency Commission.
The Commission will examine the circumstances that led to the declaration being issued and the measures taken in response to the emergency. This includes the evolution of the convoy, the impact of funding and disinformation, the economic impact, and efforts of police and other responders prior to and after the declaration.
The Emergencies Act requires that a commission be convened within 60 days and its report tabled in Parliament within 360 days of the revocation of the declaration of a public order emergency. The Commission must examine the circumstances that led to the declaration being issued and the measures taken for dealing with the emergency.
The inquiry is also distinct from the all-party parliamentary committee struck to review the Emergency Act’s use in March. Both the public inquiry and the parliamentary committee are required under the Emergencies Act.
I’m confident that this process will examine the circumstances that led to the invocation of the Emergencies Act fairly and impartially, as well as make potential recommendations regarding the management of public order emergencies.
The Commission will be independent and will operate at arms-length from the government.
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