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00:22:42

Headline Politics

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Comments on Emergencies Act Inquiry Report

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre holds a news conference in Calgary following the release of the Public Order Emergency Commission’s final report on the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act. He is also asked about alleged Chinese interference in the 2021 Canadian federal election and the federal government's interim sustainable jobs plan that aims to transition workers to a low-carbon economy. (February 17, 2023) (no interpretation)
00:41:28

Headline Politics

PM Trudeau Responds to Emergency Act Inquiry’s Report – February 17, 2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a news conference on Parliament Hill following the release of the Public Order Emergency Commission’s final report on the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also speaks with reporters. Commissioner Paul Rouleau has concluded that the "very high threshold for invocation was met" and the government's decision to invoke the Act was appropriate. The prime minister also faces questions about alleged Chinese interference in the 2021 Canadian federal election.
00:08:55

Headline Politics

Civil Liberties Group Comments on Emergencies Act Report – February 17, 2023

Representatives from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) comment following the release of the Public Order Emergency Commission’s final report on the government's use of the Emergencies Act. Appearing at the news conference in Toronto are CCLA members Cara Zwibel (director of fundamental freedoms) and Noa Mendelsohn (executive director), as well as Ewa Krajewska (partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP). The organization launched a legal challenge in February 2022 of the government’s use of the Act. (no interpretation)
00:27:00

Inquiries on CPAC

Emergencies Act Inquiry: Commissioner Paul Rouleau Comments on Report

In Ottawa, Commissioner Paul Rouleau makes a statement following the release of the Public Order Emergency Commission’s report on the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act. Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair tabled the report in the House of Commons. The declaration of emergency came in February 2022 in response to convoy protests, at a number of Canada-U.S. border crossing and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 70 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. (February 17, 2023) Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
02:57:19

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – December 2, 2022

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds its final panel discussion in Ottawa as part of the policy phase of its work. Nomi Claire Lazar (a professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs) moderates this expert panel on the thresholds, powers and accountability under the Emergencies Act. Ward Elcock (former director of CSIS), Victor Ramraj (University of Victoria), Hoi Kong (Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia), Karin Loevy (New York University School of Law), Kim Lane Scheppele (Princeton University), and Morris Rosenberg (former deputy minister in various federal departments) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 70 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Justice Rouleau must submit a final report to Parliament no later than February 20, 2023. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
03:01:42

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – December 1, 2022 (Panel 2 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it continues the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Jocelyn Stacey (associate professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia) moderates this roundtable looking into interjurisdictional responses to protests and emergencies. Dwight Newman (University of Saskatchewan), Ryan Teschner (Toronto Police Services Board), Jack Lindsay (Brandon University), Judith Sayers (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council), and Cal Corley (former head of the Canadian Police College) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 70 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Justice Rouleau must submit a final report to Parliament no later than February 20, 2023. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
03:02:51

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – December 1, 2022 (Panel 1 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it continues the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Dennis Baker (associate professor and director of the criminal justice and public policy program at the University of Guelph) moderates this panel on police-government relations. Taking part in the roundtable are Christian Leuprecht (Royal Military College and Queen’s University), Ryan Teschner (Toronto Police Services Board), Malcolm Thorburn (University of Toronto), Kate Puddister (University of Guelph), Michael Kempa (University of Ottawa), and Jim Ramer (chief of the Toronto Police Service). Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 70 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Justice Rouleau must submit a final report to Parliament no later than February 20, 2023. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
03:02:42

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 30, 2022 (Panel 1 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it continues the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Michael Nesbitt (associate professor in the University of Calgary's faculty of law) moderates this panel examining national security and public order emergencies. Taking part in the roundtable are former CSIS directors Richard Fadden and Ward Elcock, as well as Leah West (Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University) and Wesley Wark (Centre for International Governance Innovation). Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 70 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Justice Rouleau must submit a final report to Parliament no later than February 20, 2023. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
02:58:53

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 30, 2022 (Panel 2 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it continues the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Michael Williams (a professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa) moderates this expert panel on the policing of public protests. Michael Kempa (University of Ottawa), Robert Diab (Thompson Rivers University), Cal Corley (former assistant commissioner with the RCMP and former head of the Canadian Police College), Colton Fehr (Thompson Rivers University), and John Brewer (chief superintendent with the RCMP) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 70 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Justice Rouleau must submit a final report to Parliament no later than February 20, 2023. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
02:54:06

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 29, 2022 (Panel 1 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it continues the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Wayne MacKay (professor emeritus of law, Dalhousie University) moderates this panel on misinformation, disinformation, and the role of social media. Emily Laidlaw (University of Calgary), David Morin (University of Sherbrooke), Dax D'Orazio (Queen’s University), Jonathon Penney (Osgoode Hall Law School, York University), and Vivek Venkatesh (Concordia University) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 60 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
03:01:17

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 29, 2022 (Panel 2 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it continues the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Vanessa MacDonnell (associate professor in the faculty of law at the University of Ottawa and co-director, uOttawa Public Law Centre) moderates this panel on the protection of essential goods and services, critical infrastructure and trade corridors. Ambarish Chandra (University of Toronto), Kevin Quigley (Dalhousie University), François Delorme (Université de Sherbrooke), Philip Boyle (University of Waterloo), and Florence Ouellet (Université de Sherbrooke) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 60 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
02:58:48

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 28, 2022 (Panel 1 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as it begins the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Robert Leckey (dean of the faculty of law, McGill University) moderates this panel on the topic of fundamental rights and freedoms in public protests. Law professors Jamie Cameron (Osgoode Hall Law School, York University), Richard Moon (University of Windsor), Vanessa MacDonnell (University of Ottawa), Jean-Francois Gaudreault-Desbiens (University of Montreal), Brian Bird (Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia) and Carissima Mathen (University of Ottawa) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 60 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
02:55:27

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 28, 2022 (Panel 2 of 2)

The Public Order Emergency Commission holds a panel discussion in Ottawa as part of the policy phase of its work. Experts from various fields will assist the commission in developing recommendations related to its mandate. Patrick Leblond (associate professor in the faculty of social sciences at the University of Ottawa) moderates this panel on financial governance, policing, and intelligence. Professors Michelle Cumyn (University of Laval), Christian Leuprecht (Royal Military College and Queen’s University), Michelle Gallant (Robson Hall, University of Manitoba), and Gerard Kennedy (Robson Hall, University of Manitoba), as well as Jessica Davis (Insight Threat Intelligence) take part in the panel. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. The inquiry heard from over 60 witnesses including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several key federal ministers during its six weeks of public hearings. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
08:38:27

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 25, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testifies as public hearings of the Public Order Emergency Commission conclude in Ottawa. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s unprecedented use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. Over 60 witnesses have testified at the inquiry since it began six weeks ago on October 13, including the mayors of Ottawa and Coutts, "Freedom Convoy" organizers, the heads of the RCMP and CSIS, senior members from the Prime Minister's Office, and key federal cabinet ministers. Justice Rouleau must submit a final report to Parliament no later than February 20, 2023. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
11:24:47

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 24, 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland testifies as public hearings of the Public Order Emergency Commission continue in Ottawa. The commission is also hearing from senior members in the Prime Minister's Office. Katie Telford, Justin Trudeau's chief of staff, testifies alongside Brian Clow, deputy chief of staff, and John Brodhead, director of policy. In addition, the commission hears testimony from Kenneth Weatherill, the inspector general of policing for Ontario. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
09:55:10

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 23, 2022

Federal ministers David Lametti (justice), Anita Anand (national defence), and Omar Alghabra (transport) appear before the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa. The commission, led by Paul Rouleau, is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
10:51:08

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 22, 2022

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc appear before the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa. The commission, led by Paul Rouleau, is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
00:05:57

Headline Politics

Convoy Organizers’ Lawyer Speaks with Reporters at Emergencies Act Inquiry

Brendan Miller, a lawyer representing a group of Freedom Convoy organizers at the Public Order Emergency Commission, speaks with reporters in Ottawa after being ordered to leave the inquiry’s public hearing by Commissioner Paul Rouleau. The commissioner’s order came following a dispute over Miller’s request to hear testimony from an additional witness. (November 22, 2022) (no interpretation)
10:40:42

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 21, 2022

The Public Order Emergency Commission begins its final week of hearings in Ottawa. David Vigneault, the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, testifies alongside Michelle Tessier and Marie-Hélène Chayer, two other CSIS officials. Also appearing before the commission is Bill Blair, the federal minister of emergency preparedness. Led by Paul Rouleau, the commission is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/
09:28:57

Inquiries on CPAC

Public Order Emergency Commission – November 18, 2022

Public hearings of the Public Order Emergency Commission continue in Ottawa. The commission, led by Paul Rouleau, is studying the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to declare a public order emergency. The declaration of emergency came in response to protests, at a number of Canada–U.S. border crossings and in downtown Ottawa, opposing the government’s COVID-19 public-health measures. The Emergencies Act requires an inquiry to be held following any declaration of emergency, with the mandate of examining both the circumstances of the declaration and the measures taken under it. Janice Charette, the clerk of the Privy Council, and deputy clerk Nathalie Drouin provide testimony. Also appearing before the commission are Privy Council officials Jacquie Bogden and Jeff Hutchinson. Please note: Video with ASL sign language interpretation is available at https://publicorderemergencycommission.ca/