The federal government has ended the use of the Emergencies Act with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau making the announcement Wednesday afternoon.
The Act was invoked for the first time in history on Feb.14 to put an end to illegal blockades including the paralyzing occupation of downtown Ottawa and various land border crossings into the U.S.
On Wednesday Trudeau said the Act is no longer needed after it enabled the clearing of Ottawa streets and key border crossings.
“Today, after careful consideration, we’re ready to confirm that the situation is no longer an emergency. Therefore, the federal government will be ending the use of the Emergencies Act,” Trudeau said at a press conference.
Nearly 200 people have been arrested and are facing nearly 400 charges. Several of the leading organizers in the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ movement are now behind bars.
A figure, Tamara Lich, was denied bail on Tuesday while Pat King is awaiting a continuation of his bail hearing set to take place on Friday. Chris Barber is the only one of the key players so far to have been granted bail.
“We were very clear that the use of the Emergencies Act would be limited in time. When we invoked it, it was in place for 30 days, and we said that we would lift it as soon as possible,” Trudeau told a news conference.
“We are confident that existing laws and bylaws are now sufficient to keep people safe,” Trudeau added.
The emergency powers will officially end when the Governor General signs a proclamation to revoke the act.
