OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the following remarks today following testimony at the Public Order Emergency Commission:
Over the last two days we have heard testimony from representatives of the City of Ottawa. It is clear that the people of Ottawa suffered significant harm as a result of the protests and convoys.
The testimony did not, however, shed light on why ordinary policing powers were insufficient to address the convoy protest or why the federal government declared a national emergency.
On the contrary, at different moments during the testimony it became evident that the City and Province could have used existing policing powers to resolve the situation and that there were actions they did not take. Canadians watching these hearings may be frustrated by this.
We are focused on the narrow question of whether the federal government’s actions were lawful or constitutional. Based on the most recent testimony our assessment that the government acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally has not changed.
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About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
Media Contact:
media@ccla.org
Alex Nanoff – 613.709.6318
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
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