Statement on Invocation of Emergencies Act

STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

February 18, 2022

Ottawa, ON- Mel Arnold, Member of Parliament for North Okanagan-Shuswap released the following statement today regarding ongoing blockades and the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act:

“In these times of unprecedented crisis, Canadians are looking to Parliament for leadership to guide our nation through the storms we face.

“Earlier this week, I voted in support of a Conservative proposal in the House of Commons that presented a reasonable approach to help lower the temperature across Canada by providing Canadians a specific plan and timeline for ending federal mandates and restrictions.

“I voted for this proposal because it embodied the leadership and planning that I believe Canada needs and Canadians want at this critical juncture.

“Rather than working with all 338 Members of Parliament to produce a plan for Canadians, Liberal and NDP members defeated the proposal flat out and the Prime Minister took the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act.

“When faced with the choice between leading essential dialogue and enacting unprecedented powers, the Prime Minister chose the latter.

“It is in the interest of all Canadians that law, order and democracy prevail.

“I call on all to support quick and peaceful resolutions to any blockades.

“It is also in the best interest of Canadians that the Prime Minister and Parliament listen to them and develop a plan to move Canada forward towards the recovery that Canadians want and need. 

“As I participate in debate of the Emergencies Act, I will be examining whether key thresholds for invoking the act have been met and I will be advocating for the leadership and dialogue required from all parties for Parliament to provide Canadians a plan for recovery.”

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