Trudeau revokes use of Emergencies Act

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government will be revoking a declaration of a public order emergency under the Emergencies Act, imposed 10 days ago in response to cross-border blockades and an occupation of downtown Ottawa protesting COVID-19 restrictions.

"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, addressing the nation during a Feb. 23 press conference from Parliament Hill.

"We are confident that existing laws and bylaws are now sufficient to keep people safe."

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The House of Commons voted 185-151 to endorse the government's declaration of an emergency on Feb. 21.

Canada's Senate was in the midst of debating use of the Emergencies Act on Wednesday with several hours remaining in the day's sitting when the news broke.

Senators had not yet voted on the declaration of an emergency, as is required under the act, and debate was adjourned.

Following suit, the province's state of emergency was ended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Feb. 23 at 5pm.