Another unprecedented week. On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act in response to the ongoing illegal blockades in Ottawa and on the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. Following this announcement, debate was extended until Monday, February 21st. At the time of writing, MPs will sit from 7 am to midnight over the weekend to debate the use of the Emergencies Act, and vote on Monday evening.
Question Period
Elizabeth used this ironic comparison in her question on Monday to point out that Canada needs to examine the gross double standard that exists in policing and enforcement. Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) face brute force, targeted arrests and surveillance, while the protesters in Ottawa and Windsor are treated quite differently. She asked the government to examine this double standard and to bring the implicit racism in the way protesters are treated to an end.
Mike pointed out that the pandemic has had a huge impact on the mental health of Canadians. He stated that existing mental health resources are stretched too thin, and asked the government to prioritize accessible and inclusive mental health care for every Canadian.
Key Moments
Elizabeth May: COVID-19 is the fire; we are the fuel.
Elizabeth May: GLI is the solution to GIS clawbacks due to CRB
Mike Morrice: Low-income seniors should have never been subjected to GIS and OAS clawbacks
Mike Morrice: Prioritize inclusive and accessible mental health for every Canadian
Mike Morrice recognizes Better Tent City of Waterloo Region
Elizabeth May: Emergencies Act regulations must be geographically limited
Elizabeth May: When I was arrested while serving as an MP, I accepted the consequences
Elizabeth May: Wet’suwet’en chiefs had the Supreme Court of Canada on their side: not so with convoy