Harkening back to the activation of the War Measures Act during the October Crisis of 1970, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his position in declaring expanded police powers under the Emergencies Act. The motion to bring about the new measures passed on Monday night during Parliamentary Session with a vote of 185-151. The vote passed with the support of sitting New Democrats. 

The move to enact the provisions has been strongly criticized by western premiers and opposition MPs. Carlton Trail - Eagle Creek Conservative MP Kelly Block issued a statement denouncing the Prime Minister’s position. Block’s office released the statement on February 22. The statement outlined the rationale for her no vote.

“Like many of you, as soon as I heard of the Government's decision to invoke the Act, I believed it was unnecessary and a complete overreach,” Block explained in the statement. ““Legal experts, civil liberties and many other organizations are sounding the alarm stating that emergency legislation threatens our democracy and our charter rights and should not be normalized.”

It’s the first time that powers have been granted under the Emergencies Act, which was revamped from the War Measures Act in 1980. Referring to the intent to interrupt the flow of funds to the protest and its organizers, Block questioned the unprecedented use of power. 

“Imposing powers of the Emergencies Act sets a dangerous precedent. The Government of Canada should not have the power to close the bank accounts of hardworking Canadians simply on the suspicion of supporting causes of which the government doesn’t approve,” the statement went on.  “This is a slippery slope, and not how the government should operate in a free and democratic society.” “I will continue to fight this power grab by the Prime Minister and his government. Immediately following the vote, Conservatives gave notice of a motion (signed by twenty Members of Parliament) to revoke the Prime Minister’s emergency.”

Block concluded by thanking her constituents who have called and emailed her office with their concerns and support for her and her party’s stance.