"Today after careful consideration, we are able to confirm that the situation is no longer an emergency, therefore the Government will be be ending the use of the Emergencies Act."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially revoked the Emergencies Act, now that the protest has ended in Ottawa.
Trudeau says enacting the Emergencies Act was the right thing to do at the right time.
"Public safety, as well as jobs and the economy were at risk, people were being harassed, small businesses were closing, factories were shutting down and trade was halted at our borders. Here in Ottawa, and in other places in the country, there was evidence of individuals wanting to undermine and even harm Canada's democracy."
Trudeau says the Emergencies Act provided protection to Canadians, specifically the residents of Ottawa. He says the act was voted on by parliament and always lined up with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. An inquiry into the use of the Emergencies Act will commence within 60 days.
Trudeau explains why the Government is now ready to revoke the Act.
"We were very clear that the use of the Emergencies Act would be limited in time, when we invoked it, we said it would be in place for up to 30 days but we said we would lift it as soon as possible. Today after careful consideration, we are able to confirm that the situation is no longer an emergency, therefore the Government will be be ending the use of the Emergencies Act."
Trudeau wanted to reassure Canadians that law enforcement agencies will continue to protect Canadians. You can listen to his opening remarks from the press conference this afternoon below:
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