After 21 days of testimony, a public inquiry is still dancing around the question of whether the government was justified in invoking the Emergencies Act, Tonda MacCharles and Alex Ballingall write.
OTTAWA—Public hearings into the big question of whether federal emergency powers were needed to end the self-styled “Freedom Convoy” blockades have now lasted almost as long as the wintertime occupation of downtown Ottawa did.
In part, that’s because time is tight — only 31 days for oral testimony by witnesses, and revelations — often via documents — are just trickling out.The narrative The judge has also given broad latitude for 15 convoy protesters to testify — 13 were in Ottawa, one in Windsor, and one in Coutts, Alta. — but granted comparably little airtime to residents of areas impacted by their blockades.
The inquiry has heard evidence from federal and Ottawa municipal officials that questioned whether Ontario was doing enough to deal with the crisis, including details of a call in which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Premier Doug Ford of “hiding” from his responsibilities. It’s then up to lawyers who represent only the special interests of their clients to cross-examine on any conflicting evidence.
As testimony evolved showing the mess the Ottawa police were in and how tight police resources were across Ontario and in the West when faced with the eruption of protests at border crossings and legislative buildings, the federal government’s own talking points are evolving, slightly but perceptibly.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Notes reveal Kenney's nuanced views on Emergencies Act, hours before it was invokedWhile he opposed the use of the act, he was prepared to defer to the Ontario provincial government if they felt it would help end protests.
Read more »
'Did the wrong thing': Text messages reveal Alberta's frustration with Ottawa after Emergencies Act invoked\u0027Coutts was resolved on the 14th and we got our own tow trucks after you could [not] help,\u0027 Alberta minister texted to feds
Read more »
Alberta, Ontario civil servants testifying at inquiry into Emergencies ActAlberta received no help from Ottawa to clear border blockades until after the crisis had passed, inquiry hears.
Read more »
'Did the wrong thing': Text messages reveal Alberta's frustration with Ottawa after Emergencies Act invoked\u0027Coutts was resolved on the 14th and we got our own tow trucks after you could [not] help,\u0027 Alberta minister texted to feds
Read more »
Notes reveal Kenney's nuanced views on Emergencies Act, hours before it was invokedWhile he opposed the use of the act, he was prepared to defer to the Ontario provincial government if they felt it would help end protests.
Read more »
LILLEY: Trudeau told Ford police didn't need extra powers just days before invoking Emergencies ActEvidence submitted to the Emergencies Act inquiry shows that Trudeau didn\u0027t think police needed more powers, so why did he invoke the EA?
Read more »