Tag Archives: Coutts

Justice

Controversial Emergency Act revoked following the dismantling of blockades and occupation of Ottawa

By Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – On February 14, 2022 Canada made history as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enacted the Emergencies Act, a “last resort” effort to bring an end to the trucker convoy protests and blockades. On February 23, after the international border blockades were cleared and the Ottawa three-week “occupation” disbanded, the Act was revoked.

Continue reading Controversial Emergency Act revoked following the dismantling of blockades and occupation of Ottawa →
Politics

Canada’s emergency powers evoke reflections on democracy, freedom

By Fernando Arce, New Canadian Media, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the world woke up to breaking reports of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, Canada’s short-lived Emergencies Act has evoked memories of Eastern European dictatorships among some communities and ignited reflections about ‘democracy’ and ‘freedom’ among ethnic media commentators. 

A number of ethnic media outlets have pointed to what they see as hypocrisy and double standards from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government for supporting disruptive protests around the world but cracking down on similar ones at home.

Continue reading Canada’s emergency powers evoke reflections on democracy, freedom →
Justice

Conservatives will vote against implementing Emergencies Act

By Michael Potestio, Kamloops This Week, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Conservative MP Frank Caputo will vote against implementing the Emergencies Act to address weeks-long Freedom Convoy protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates that have resulted in a vehicle-clogged downtown Ottawa and border blockades across the country.

“I will be opposing it,” Caputo told KTW, arguing implementing the act should be legislation of the last resort.

It is the stance interim Conservative Leader Candace Bergen has said her party is taking as Parliament on Thursday (Feb. 17) began debating the federal Liberal government’s temporary special measures, which were invoked Monday for the first time since the act was created in 1988 to replace the War Measures Act.

Continue reading Conservatives will vote against implementing Emergencies Act →
Indigenous Nations, Justice

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation criticizes Alberta government’s approach to border blockade

By Jacob Cardinal, Alberta Native News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – On February 2, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief and Council released a statement regarding the current U.S-Canadian border blockade in Coutts, Alberta.

“Over the past several days we have watched in dismay as the border blockade at Coutts, Alberta is allowed to continue without intervention from authorities,” said the statement. “The Critical Infrastructure Defense Act (CIDA), which was passed in 2020, was created in response to Indigenous railway blockades protesting pipeline developments on Indigenous territories.”

“This law was used to end Indigenous blockades — so the question that must be asked is why the blockade at Coutts is allowed to continue?”

Continue reading Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation criticizes Alberta government’s approach to border blockade →