OTTAWA –
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s national security adviser will testify today at the public inquiry tasked with determining whether the Liberal government was justified in triggering the Emergencies Act.
Hours after the historic decision to use the law was made in mid-February, Jody Thomas contacted the RCMP to assess the threat posed by protests in Ottawa and at several border crossings.
Her actions, detailed in documents previously submitted as evidence to the investigation, provide some insight into the advice Trudeau and his cabinet colleagues received. when deciding to use the Emergency Act.
The investigation learned Thomas did not go through official channels and told the RCMP that the protests were a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
Her appearance is planned after the arrival of three high-ranking officials of the federal Treasury Department, including Deputy Secretary Michael Sabia.
Trudeau invoked the Emergency Act on February 14, telling Canadians they need special but temporary powers to quell protests against pandemic- and political-related restrictions Liberal Party government.
It allows the government to regulate or ban the “use of assets” to finance or support the blockade, and special economic regulations mean financial service providers can freeze immediately. personal or corporate accounts without facing any liability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 17, 2022.
