Emergencies Act could change, but not after consultations [Video]

The federal government is open to possible changes to the Emergencies Act but says it first wants to consult widely on the law it invoked to quell “Freedom Convoy” protests two years ago.

In a final response Wednesday to a commission of inquiry, the Liberal government also outlines steps it is taking to improve the flow of intelligence and protect key transportation corridors.

However, the government plays down any need to adopt many of the commission’s suggested changes to policing protocols.

The Public Order Emergency Commission led by Justice Paul Rouleau made 56 recommendations, with almost two dozen specifically related to the emergencies law itself.

In early February 2022, downtown Ottawa was besieged by protesters, many in large trucks that rolled into town beginning in late January. Initially billed as a demonstration against COVID-19 health restrictions, the gathering attracted people with various grievances against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his …