The Yukon’s MP is unreservedly backing the federal government’s decision to use the Emergencies Act for the first time to handle the Freedom Convoy protest that has tied up Ottawa and other Canadian locations for weeks.

The Yukon’s senator, on the other hand, is taking a more measured, thoughtful and reserved approach.

In an interview with the Star late this morning, Senator Pat Duncan said she thinks the move to invoke the act is likely necessary to deal with the ongoing truckers’ blockade in Ottawa.

However, she added that she “feels the weight of the responsibility” involved in approving that decision.

That debate is scheduled to start in the Senate on Monday evening, Duncan said – and she expects it to be a long one.

“I feel it’s very important that our borders remain open and that we have order,” Duncan said. “Right now, we have people who can’t go to work in Ottawa because of the protests.”

She also said she is receiving reports of Ottawa citizens, including students, being harassed as they try to go about their daily business – and she certainly doesn’t approve of that situation.

“It’s a difficult choice for the federal government,” she said.

Duncan is in the Yukon at the moment, and hasn’t seen the situation first hand. She will be attending the debate in person next week.

Ottawa police began handing out leaflets to the truckers today warning them they may be arrested and their vehicles towed away if they do not immediately leave the area.

In a statement to the Star on Tuesday afternoon, rookie Liberal MP Brendan Hanley had this to say about the situation.

“First, I understand that everyone is very tired of this pandemic, and many people are fed up with mandates and restrictions. Indeed, we will likely continue to be challenged by this virus for months and even years to come,” he said.

“All Canadians have a right to protest. This right is enshrined and protected in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“Our rights to protest, however, should not infringe on the rights of others.”

These occupations and blockades “have moved from protests to a series of blockades and occupations,” Hanley said.

“They have been illegally disrupting the life of Canadians, harming our economy, and endangering public safety.

“In addition, these blockades are threatening to damage Canada’s reputation as a stable and secure democracy and trading partner.”

The MP went on to suggest the federal government is already moving to relax pandemic-related health restrictions before the protestors hit Ottawa.

“Now that the Omicron wave is stabilizing, all levels of government, including the federal government, are embarking on plans to relax public health measures,” Hanley said.

“This work was underway before these convoys started. No one wants restrictions when they are no longer necessary. However, as we move forward, we must do so responsibly, at a measured pace, and continue to work according to evidence and public health advice.

“I can assure you that this is exactly what the federal government is doing, and I can also assure you that I am adding my voice to these conversations.”

It has become clear that there are “serious challenges to the ability of local law enforcement agencies at some of these sites to effectively enforce the law,” Hanley stated.

“The federal government is invoking the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial authorities to address the blockades and occupation to keep Canadians safe, protect people’s jobs, and restore confidence in our institutions.

“It is important to note that there are checks and balances included when invoking this act,” Hanley added. Those include:

•Any actions taken are also subject to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Canadian Bill of Rights.

•Application of this act is limited to specific regions.

•The legislation’s application expires at or before the end of a limited time.

•Canadians can still assemble and exercise their right to protest peacefully and legally.

“The Emergencies Act provides the government with new authorities to law enforcement to regulate crowds, prohibit blockades and keep essential corridors open,” the MP said.

Hanley enumerated what he called additional benefit to the act.

“The Emergencies Act allows the government to mobilize essential services, such as tow trucks, and allows the RCMP to act more swiftly to enforce local laws,” he noted.

“The act also provides enhanced power to stop the flow of money and allows for various ways to stop or limit financing illegal blockades and occupation. These measures are targeted, temporary and proportionate.”

This act does not invoke the military, Hanley pointed out. That can only be done through the National Defence Act.

This is about keeping Canadians safe, protecting people’s jobs and restoring confidence in our institutions, he added.

“It is about protecting and preserving our democracy. True freedom lives in a strong democracy, and I will always defend Canada’s constitutional values of peace, order and good government.”