The federal government is reaching out to the provinces and territories to talk about invoking the never-used-before Emergencies Act, as pressure mounts on Ottawa to take control of critical medical supplies and equipment in the fight against COVID-19.
The federal government is reaching out to the provinces and territories to talk about invoking the never-used-before Emergencies Act, as pressure mounts on Ottawa to take control of critical medical supplies and equipment in the fight against COVID-19.
Sources tell CBC News that Ottawa has sent a letter to provincial and territorial governments as part of the consultation period — a required step before triggering a public welfare emergency. The issue also is expected to be a topic when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls the premiers today.
Sending the letter doesn’t necessarily mean the federal government is poised to invoke the act — but it does mean it’s looking for feedback from the regions on such a step.
The letter thanks the premiers for their support and coordination so far.
“Federal ministers of Justice, Public Safety, Health and Agriculture and Agri-food have since spoken to their provincial and territorial counterparts about whether measures under the Emergencies Act could assist our collective efforts to respond to the pandemic,” it reads.
One federal source said the letter is part of a contingency plan. Another said that while the federal government doesn’t want to infringe on provincial jurisdiction, Ottawa wants to make sure the provinces are aware of what’s in the legislation.
The Emergencies Act — which came into effect in 1988 — gives the federal government sweeping powers to regulate or prohibit travel, requisition and use property, order qualified people to provide essential services, regulate the distribution of goods, resources and services and establish emer