Trudeau defends invoking Emergencies Act as debate begins in the House

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended invoking the controversial Emergencies Act, saying it was "for the good of all Canadians," as the House of Commons kicked off what's expected to be a raucous debate Thursday morning over his government's decision to trigger the rare legislation.

The Liberal government formally tabled its declaration of an emergency in the House of Commons on Wednesday night.

The move gives the government new powers to address anti-mandate protesters tying Ottawa and other parts of the country in knots — including the authority to ban travel to certain zones and prohibit people from bringing minors to unlawful assemblies.

The prime minister said his government invoked the law because blockades threaten Canada's economy and the situation could not be dealt with under any other law in Canada.

"For the good of all Canadians, the illegal blockades and occupations have to stop and the borders have to remain open," he said.

WATCH | Trudeau defends use of Emergencies Act in House debate:

"The blockades and occupations are illegal. They're a threat to our economy and [our] relationship with trading partners. They're a threat to supply chains and the availability of essential goods, like food and medicine. And they're a threat to public safety."

The measures in the Emergencies Act have been in effect since cabinet invoked it on Monday, but now MPs get to debate the measures and, potentially, vote on amendments that could limit its powers and scope.

Hinting at the fiery debate to come, interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen called invoking the act a "massive sledgehammer" and said Conservatives will not support it.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also said his party will not support it.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has said he would support it, but on Wednesday said he would withdraw that support if the party decides that it constitutes an overreach of government authority.

While blockades at border crossings in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia have been largely cleared, parts of Ottawa remain clogged. Protesters — many in semi-trucks and RVs — have been camped in the capital for 21 days now, with protest crowds swelling into the thousands on the weekends.

On Thursday morning, an increased police presence was visible in the red zone around Parliament Hill and fences were being set up in front of government buildings.

The government published its reasoning for triggering the act late Wednesday, calling the situation across the country "concerning, volatile and unpredictable."