The latest on protests against COVID-19 measures in Ottawa and beyond

OTTAWA — The latest developments on ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, in Ottawa and various locations across Canada, on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. All times eastern:

11:47 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government needs to reflect on the role of misinformation and foreign funding in destabilizing Canadian life once the crisis related to anti-mandate protests has passed.

Trudeau was asked whether any of the extraordinary powers invoked as part of the federal Emergencies Act could become permanent.

He says the government will need to think about how to keep borders open and protect critical infrastructure in the future.

The government has already signalled its intent to register fundraising websites like GoFundMe with Canada’s financial intelligence agency going forward.

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11:42 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the powers granted to police under the Emergencies Act are still needed, even now that the streets of Ottawa have been cleared.

The government used measures under the law for the first time in the face of protests in the national capital and border blockades.

MPs are expected to vote on the measures later this evening, but Conservatives have called on the Liberals to revoke the powers now that the situation in Ottawa has calmed and the border blockades are gone.

Trudeau says there are still concerns about trucks returning to Ottawa streets and border crossings.

He says the government will continue to evaluate the situation every day to see when the powers under the Emergencies Act can be lifted.

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11:30 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making an appeal to mend national rifts in the wake of protests that have gripped border crossings and the national capital over the last few weeks.

He made the comments on the day Parliament is expected to vote on emergency measures used to quell an anti-vaccine mandate protest that gridlocked the streets of Ottawa for three weeks.

He says Canadians must choose if they want to continue to see those scenes play out.

He suggests Canadians reach out to friends after a heated political argument, or family members they haven’t seen in awhile because they are unvaccinated.

Trudeau has faced criticism for polarizing the national conversation about COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2022.

The Canadian Press