Canada’s PM invokes emergency law to end vaccine protests

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invoked an emergency law to respond to protests against coronavirus vaccine mandates.

Protests erupted across Canada after the government required cross-border truck drivers to be vaccinated. A key bridge connecting the Canadian province of Ontario and the United States was blockaded by trucks for nearly a week. It reopened on Sunday.

Trudeau said to reporters on Monday, “We now have a responsibility to make sure that the bridge stays open.” He said, “We cannot and will not allow illegal and dangerous activities to continue.”

Trudeau disclosed that the government will have special temporary powers to quell the situation.
The government will be able to fine or imprison violators and tow vehicles blocking roads.

Local media report that this is the first time in the country’s history for the Emergencies Act to be exercised since it was enacted in 1988.