Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday announced an independent public inquiry following the invocation of the Emergencies Act..In February, supporters of the truckers’ Freedom Convoy movement put up blockades and occupations across the country to protest the COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, with the government invoking the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to end them..“Ensuring the safety and security of everyone in Canada and protecting our economy are top priorities,” Trudeau said..“I am pleased to announce that the Honourable Paul S. Rouleau has agreed to serve as the Commissioner and undertake this important work. He will look into the circumstances that led to the Emergencies Act being invoked, and make recommendations to prevent these events from happening again.”.The Act was invoked on February 14 to end disruptions, border blockades, and the occupation of Ottawa’s downtown core. The declaration was revoked on February 23..The inquiry will examine the circumstances that led to the declaration being issued and the measures taken in response to the emergency. This includes the evolution of the convoy, the impact of funding and disinformation, the economic impact, and efforts of police and other responders prior to and after the declaration..Justice Rouleau brings twenty years of experience on the bench to the role. He was first appointed as a Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario in 2002, then to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 2005. He has also since been appointed as a Deputy Judge of the Supreme Court of Yukon, the Nunavut Court of Justice, and the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories..Rouleau will submit a final report by February 20, 2023..He has the power to summon witnesses under oath and require them to provide documents or other items that the Commissioner consider necessary to carry out their work..Arthur Green is a Western Standard contributor
