House of Commons passes Emergencies Act motion after fractious debate
The House of Commons has passed a motion to approve extraordinary, time-limited measures in the Emergencies Act, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked last week in a bid to end blockades in Ottawa and at several border crossings.
The motion to confirm the declaration of emergency powers passed 185-151 on Monday evening with the New Democrats voting in favour alongside the minority Liberal government.
New Democrat Leader said his party would support the motion, but would withdraw that support as soon as it decides the measures are no longer necessary
The vote to approve the measures will keep them in place until mid-March at the latest. The Senate must also vote on the government’s request. At any point, the Senate, House of Commons or government could pull support and the extraordinary powers stemming from the emergencies law would be revoked.