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.