The article discusses the Canadian government’s response to countrywide blockades caused by truckers protesting COVID-19 restrictions. Here are the key points:
- Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invoked the Emergencies Act, which gives the federal government short-lived powers to limit civilian travel, use or dispose of property, and manage the provision of essential services.
- Countrywide blockades: The blockades have been ongoing since the end of January, with protests and truckers blocking key goods crossings into Montana and other areas.
- Economic impact: The blockades are expected to put pressure on consumer prices and slow economic growth in Canada. Economists predict that GDP growth will be flat and inflation will surge due to shortages caused by the blockades.
- Response from provinces: Ontario has declared a state of emergency, empowering police to clear the Ambassador Bridge over the weekend. Premier Doug Ford has also announced an end to vaccine passport protocols and indoor capacity limits.
- Rationale for invoking Emergencies Act: Trudeau stated that while Canadians have the right to express frustration and anger with government policies, blockading streets and critical infrastructure is a different matter altogether.
The article mentions several experts’ opinions on the economic impact of the blockades:
- Royce Mendes, director of macro strategy at Desjardins, expects first-quarter GDP growth to be flat and inflation to surge as a result of shortages caused by the blockades.
- Rocco Rossi, president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the lifting of COVID-19-related business restrictions but notes that vulnerabilities such as inflation, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions have been exacerbated by the global state of emergency.
Overall, the article highlights the Canadian government’s efforts to address the economic impact of the blockades and prevent further disruption to critical infrastructure.