Trudeau revokes emergency powers after Canada blockades end

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is removing emergency powers police can use after authorities ended the border blockades by those opposed to COVID-19 restrictions as well as the occupation of downtown Ottawa

TORONTO -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday he is removing emergency powers police can use after authorities ended the border blockades by those opposed to COVID-19 restrictions as well as the occupation of downtown Ottawa.

Trudeau invoked the powers last week and lawmakers affirmed the powers late Monday. Trudeau said then the powers were still needed but noted they would not stay in place a day longer than necessary.

“The situation is no longer an emergency, therefore the federal government will be ending the use of the emergencies act,” Trudeau said. "We are confident that existing laws and bylaws are sufficient to keep people safe.”

The emergencies act allows authorities to declare certain areas as no-go zones. It also allows police to freeze truckers’ personal and corporate bank accounts and compel tow truck companies to haul away vehicles.