OTTAWA — Cara Zwibel, Director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the following remarks today following testimony at the Public Order Emergency Commission:
Today’s testimony from Ottawa residents and on behalf of Ottawa businesses was compelling – the impacts of the protests were severe. But the testimony did not shed light on why ordinary policing powers were insufficient to address them or why the federal government declared a national emergency.
The impact on Ottawa residents and Ottawa businesses does not explain why a public order emergency was declared affecting the entire country. Nor does it explain why the orders were written in a vague and broad manner that aimed to stifle freedom of expression and assembly.
Canadians watching today’s proceedings may be very sympathetic to today’s witnesses – we are too. But we are focused on the narrow question of whether the government’s actions were lawful or constitutional. Based on today’s testimony our assessment that the government acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally has not changed.
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About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
Media Contact:
media@ccla.org
Alex Nanoff – 613.709.6318
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
