Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a scathing critique of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s use of the Emergencies Act to quash Freedom Convoy protests during a press conference in Vancouver on Friday.
Poilievre minced no words in his condemnation of Trudeau’s decision to invoke the controversial act last February – and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s support of it.
According to Poilievre, it was one of the most “despicable acts” seen during Trudeau’s tenure.
“Justin Trudeau’s and the NDP’s imposition of the Emergencies Act to crush the civil liberties of Canadian citizens was one of the most despicable acts we have seen under his government. I will ensure that never happens again,” said Poilievre.
“I will protect people’s freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression and we will make Canada the freest country in the world.”
The invocation of the Emergencies Act earlier this year, amidst nationwide protests against vaccine mandates and pandemic-related restrictions, was widely condemned by civil liberty groups as an overreach.
The Emergencies Act granted the government broad powers such as the ability to order bank accounts frozen and indiscriminately arrest protesters.
Poilievre’s announcement comes as Jewish communities across Canada continue to live in fear of pro-Hamas protests following the terrorist group’s attack on Israel.
Addressing the tensions, Poilievre said that he will continue to condemn Hamas’ brutal actions.
“At the same time I will exercise my freedom to condemn anyone who celebrates the murder of little babies, of grandmothers,” said Poileivre.
“No Canadians should stand with an evil, sadistic terrorist death cult like hamas. People are free to have their own opinions but I’m free to condemn those opinions as a citizen myself.”
Poilievre also pointed out how Canadian law currently prohibits anyone from providing material support to terrorist groups like hamas.
“I want to make sure the police enforce the law by investigating and charging anyone who provides money or other support to help Hamas carry out terrorist attacks against civilians or anyone else,” said Poilievre.
