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Originally Posted by blender
Lots of valid points made.
If you are arguing that the government wanted to invoke the act, and purposely didn't disclose that they were applying a broader definition so that they wouldn't have any hindrance, then I would say you might be correct. Sort of an "act now, beg for forgiveness later" type of situation. Either way, the efficacy and utility of the decision to invoke the act justifies it's use. In this case, I'm ok with it and I don't think there is anything that will turn up during the inquiry that would make me feel that the act shouldn't have been used.
I think there is optics at play here, too. Let's be honest, what percentage of the population was sympathetic to the convoy protesters? Most people wanted them gone and the streets cleaned up. Is there going to be a serious pushback against the EM act? Not likely.
From the government's position there is also the impact on the occupation to consider. First, it sends a message to the occupiers that they no longer have the rights they had yesterday. Instantly the hangers-on will be separated from the hard-core. Second, it establishes a legal coverage for any police or military who may have to act in unconstitutional ways in breaking the occupation.
I get what you are saying and you are right to say it, as we need to hold our government to account. Just because I can argue the utility of the act in this case, doesn't mean I believe it should be used lightly or without oversight or consequence.
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I think your second paragraph is why we disagree. To me the public being in favour of the emergencies act is precisely when the most scrutiny and care is required. When the Mjoroty and the government agree is the time minority rights are most at risk.
I agree that the optics of the EA being used has a chilling affect on protests. That however is not a reason to use the act in of itself. I disagree that the police need lega cover greater than a court injunction declaring the protest illegal as was obtained for the Ambassador Bridge and CP rail protests.
I appreciate the thoughtful discussion.