Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers Monday to quell the paralyzing protests by truckers and others angry over Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions, outlining plans not only to tow away their rigs but to strike at their bank accounts and their livelihoods.
Protesters opposed to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other restrictions withdrew their vehicles from a key U.S.-Canadian border bridge Saturday though access remained blocked while other demonstrations ramped up in cities across Canada, including the capital, where police said they were awaiting more officers before ending what they described as an illegal occupation.
Governor Gavin Newsom released recommendations from his policing advisors for improving police response to protests and demonstrations and a series of actions in response. The release of the report follows the Governor’s signing of a package of legislation last month to reform policing practices and tackle discrimination in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.