Summary
Ottawa froze bitcoin and other assets during anti-government protests in 2022, but a federal judge ruled that this action violated the constitution. The Canadian government plans to appeal the decision. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the Emergencies Act to clear the protests and block financial support, but the judge stated that this was outside of their authority. The protests involved truckers and supporters who were protesting Covid vaccine requirements and other public health policies. Donations poured in, particularly in bitcoin, but the government sanctioned crypto wallets tied to the crowdfunding efforts. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the government’s actions and expressed disagreement with the court’s decision.
Key Points
1. Ottawa froze bitcoin and other assets in an attempt to end anti-government protests in 2022, but a federal judge ruled this action to be against the constitution.
2. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the 1988 Emergencies Act for the first time in Canada’s history to clear the “Freedom Convoy” and prevent financial support to the protesters.
3. Justice Richard Mosley, in his decision, stated that Trudeau’s administration acted outside their authority and that issuing the Proclamation did not meet the requirements of reasonableness and justification.