Emergencies Act inquiry to release final report

A federal commission is scheduled Friday to report on the government’s use of the Emergencies Act against “freedom convoy” demonstrators.

Justice Paul Rouleau will discuss whether the government’s emergency response was justified – the report is expected to be tabled in Parliament.

The Public Order Emergency Commission report presents around 300 hours of testimonials and about 9,000 documents entered into evidence over several weeks.

The inquiry heard from over 100 witnesses, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials.

READ MORE: Inquiry into Liberals’ use of Emergencies Act starting today in Ottawa

A year ago, the Trudeau government used the Emergencies Act during the occupation of downtown Ottawa when protesters were demonstrating against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and lockdowns.

The streets around Parliament in Ottawa were filled, which disturbed residents with noise and caused many businesses to shut their doors.

The 1988 act gave authorities greater powers amid border blockades but it requires that a public inquiry be held to review the decisions made to invoke it.

Trudeau says that he doesn’t expect the findings to change his government’s credibility with the public, he also commended Rouleau and his staff for working quickly on the report.

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