Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his focus has been standing up for people’s fundamental rights. .“The proactive use of the notwithstanding clause suspends people’s fundamental rights and freedoms,” said Trudeau at a Monday press conference. .“This government will never back down from standing up for people’s rights and freedoms.” .Trudeau was commenting on the Canadian Union of Public Employees making its 55,000 education workers go on strike on Friday to protest legislative attacks from the Ontario government..READ MORE: CUPE Ontario ramps up pressure in the face of legislative attacks on education workers.Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce introduced legislation to impose a contract on education workers through the notwithstanding clause to try to avert the strike. .“And today, we are taking action to ensure your child remains in the classroom,” said Lecce. .Trudeau said Canadians “know how important it is to protect those fundamental rights and freedoms.” .He said the Canadian government is committed to supporting people and building good jobs for the future. .The Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC) to examine if Trudeau violated civil liberties by invoking the Emergencies Act (War Measures Act) began Oct. 13. .READ MORE: Convoy organizers, prime minister to testify before Public Order Emergency Commission.Cabinet ministers, City of Ottawa officials, Freedom Convoy organizers, and Trudeau will testify in front of the POEC. .The Emergencies Act, declared in February for the first time in Canadian history, gave the federal government sweeping powers to end the Freedom Convoy. It enabled the government to freeze protestor bank accounts and force tow truck drivers to clear vehicles from Ottawa’s streets.
