Thread by @SeanPrevil

#BREAKING: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government has invoked the Emergencies Act, the 1st time since its creation it's been used. Trudeau says scope of the measures will be "time-limited, geographically targeted as well as reasonable & proportionate." #cdnpoli

Trudeau says police will be given "more tools" to restore order in places where public assemblies constitute illegal and dangerous activities, such as blockades & occupations "as seen in Ottawa, the Ambassador Bridge and elsewhere." #cdnpoli

Tools include strengthening ability to impose fines or imprisonment. Govt will designate, secure & protect places and infrastructure critical to economy & people's jobs including border crossings and airports. #cdnpoli

Trudeau says Act will also allow govt to ensure essential services are rendered, such as in order to tow vehicles blocking roads. #cdnpoli

Financial institutions will be authorized or directed to render essential services to help address situation including by regulating and prohibiting the use of property to fund or support illegal blockades. #cdnpoli

Trudeau says act will enable RCMP to enforce municipal bylaws and provincial offences where required. "This is what the Emergencies Act does." #cdnpoli

"Let me be equally clear about what it does not do." Says not using Act to call in military, "we're not suspending fundamental rights or overriding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, we are not limiting people's freedom of speech..." 1/ #cdnpoli

"...we are not limiting people's freedom of peaceful assembly, we are not preventing people from exercising their right to protest legally. We are reinforcing the principles, values and institutions that keep all Canadians free." /2 #cdnpoli

Trudeau says Act exists for reason, invoking act "is never the first thing a government should do, nor even the second." Says it should be used sparingly and as last resort. Says right now situation requires additional tools not held by any federal, provincial or territorial law

Says measures "must be and will be" compliant with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms #cdnpoli

Trudeau also says Canadian Border Services Agency is "already turning back non-Canadians trying to enter Canada to participate in blockades." #cdnpoli

Trudeau also says for impacted businesses in downtown Ottawa, supports will be launched in "coming days." #cdnpoli