February 17, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – Brad Vis, Member of Parliament for Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, released a statement opposing the Prime Minister’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act in response to the ongoing protests in Ottawa.
“The Emergencies Act is designed for use in only the most extreme emergencies. The current situation in Ottawa simply does not meet the criteria outlined in the Act. Border blockades in BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario have been peacefully resolved by law enforcement without the need for extraordinary powers.
“I support the right to peaceful protest, and I always will, but it is time for the protests in Ottawa to end. I trust that law enforcement will be able to find a peaceful resolution as they have at the border blockades. Invoking the Emergencies Act right now sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to its abuse in the future.
“In a time where we should be celebrating the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic, the Prime Minister is instead choosing to further escalate tensions.
“For these reasons, I will be voting against the Emergencies Act, along with my fellow Conservative MPs.”
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Media Contact
Office of Brad Vis, MP
613-992-1248