By Canadian Press

Federal witnesses begin testimony at Emergencies Act inquiry for the first time

Nov 14, 2022 | 8:43 AM

OTTAWA — Senior federal civil servants are testifying for the first time at the commission investigating the Liberal government’s history-making decision to invoke the Emergencies Act last winter. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act, which replaced the War Measures Act in 1988, on Feb. 14, arguing its temporary and extraordinary powers were needed to end blockades in Ottawa and at border crossings.

The public inquiry is hearing today from the former deputy minister of public safety about whether the department prepared for the protest’s arrival in Ottawa, and what intelligence the government received early on.

The Public Order Emergency Commission, which is holding hearings in Ottawa until Nov. 25, is tasked with determining whether the government was justified in triggering the legislation.

This week the commission is expected to hear from key witnesses, including RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki and Jody Thomas, who is Trudeau’s national security adviser.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2022. 

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press