Canadian Civil Liberties Association to sue federal government over Emergencies Act

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) announced Thursday that it plans to sue the federal government over its decision to invoke the Emergencies Act in response to ongoing protests and blockades.

"Emergency powers cannot and must not be normalized," said CCLA executive director Noa Mendelsohn.

She said use of the act "seriously infringes on the Charter rights of Canadians."

The Emergencies Act was invoked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday in response to ongoing demonstrations against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.

The convoy protest in Ottawa has gridlocked the downtown core for more than 20 days, while other demonstrationshave blocked international border crossings in Windsor, Ont. and Coutts, Alta.

The federal government has argued that the demonstrations constitute a threat to Canada's economy and the safety of citizens. It's the first time the act has been triggered since it was approved by Parliament in 1988.

WATCH | At Issue panel breaks down parliamentary debate overEmergencies Act:

The defence and criticism of using the Emergencies Act | At Issue

3 years ago

Duration 11:14

The At Issue panel breaks down the parliamentary debate over implementing the Emergencies Act, how the government is defending it and the criticism from opposition parties.

Mendelsohnacknowledged reports of "violent, racist and homophobic acts" occurring withinthe Ottawa protest but said the presence of those elements doesn'tjustify the introduction ofmeasures the CCLA considers a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The act gives the federal governmenttemporary powers to quell protestsby, among other things, banningtravel to protestzones and prohibitingpeople from bringing minors to unlawful assemblies. The act also allows the federal government to restrict protesters' access to bank accounts.

"Protest is how people in a democracy share their political messages of all kinds, whether they be environmental activists, students taking to the streets, Indigenous land defenders, workers on strike, people who know that Black lives matter, and others who oppose government measures of all kinds,"Mendelsohnsaid.

"Not every person may agree with the content of every movement."

WATCH | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defends decision to invoke Emergencies Act:

Trudeau defends use of Emergencies Act in House debate

3 years ago

Duration 1:17

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Emergencies Act will not impede on Canadians' rights but will allow for the clearing of blockades happening in Ottawa and across the country.

Trudeau defended his decision Thursday morning in the House of Commons, where MPs are engaged ina days-long debate over the act.

"The blockades and occupations are illegal," Trudeau said."And they're a threat to public safety."

The NDP has said it'slikely to support the act in Parliament. It has been in effect since it was invoked on Monday.

In a statement released Thursday, Amnesty International also expressed concerns about the act, saying in a French news release that it "raises concerns and questions relating to the respect of human rights."