January 16, 2026
RED FM News Desk
The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that the Liberal government acted unreasonably when it invoked the Emergencies Act to end protests that disrupted downtown Ottawa and key border crossings in early 2022.
For nearly three weeks in January and February of that year, large demonstrations filled the core of the national capital. Protesters, many arriving in heavy trucks, blocked streets around Parliament Hill, creating widespread disruption.
Ottawa’s downtown was overwhelmed by blaring truck horns, diesel fumes and makeshift encampments. Protesters set up amenities including a hot tub and a bouncy castle, while residents and businesses complained of noise, pollution and harassment. Several businesses were forced to close temporarily.
Authorities also faced blockades at major border crossings with the United States, including at Windsor, Ont., and Coutts, Alta., significantly affecting trade and travel.
While many participants said they were protesting COVID-19 public health restrictions, the demonstrations also drew people with broader grievances against then-prime minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government, including individuals linked to far-right movements.
On Feb. 14, 2022, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act, granting itself temporary powers to regulate or ban public assemblies, designate secure areas, order financial institutions to freeze assets and prohibit support for protest participants.
The ruling marks the first judicial finding on the use of the Emergencies Act, which has never before been invoked since it replaced the War Measures Act in 1988.
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