Two-thirds support Trudeau’s use of Emergencies Act against protesters: poll

Two-thirds of Canadians support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to help handle the protests across the country, according to a new survey.

The Maru Public Opinion poll shows majority support for the measure in every province across the country with more than 70 per cent of those in B.C., Atlantic Canada and Quebec strongly in favour of the move while 65 per cent of those in Ontario approve. Those most likely to oppose invoking the Act can be found in Alberta (49 per cent) and Saskatchewan (43 per cent) where premiers of both those provinces have voiced their displeasure with the move.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the prime minister has gone too far by invoking the Act, calling on MPs to stop what he calls “this abuse of power.”

The government has tabled the motions in the Commons on the specific powers in the act, which would remain in effect for 30 days unless the government revokes them sooner.

Moe is calling on all parties to allow their members to vote freely on the motions.

The Bloc Quebecois and Conservatives say they will not support the motion while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has said he will “reluctantly” back it, calling the situation in Ottawa a crisis. But he warned against “overreach” and says his party will monitor use of the emergency measures, and will be prepared to withdraw support if he feels they are not being used appropriately.

The poll also finds 82 per cent of Canadians believe the situation in Ottawa has gone on for too long with 71 per cent calling it an international embarrassment for Canada.

RELATED: Two-thirds of Canadians support military force to end Ottawa protests: poll

Six in 10 Canadians say it’s time to clear out the protesters even if it means some people may get hurt, or worse, with half of those surveyed saying they support how the police have handled the situation with protesters.

The survey revealed 56 per cent believe premiers have caved into the protesters demands by easing public health measures and mandates even though many provincial leaders say they were doing so because the time had come to lower COVID restrictions. Almost seven in 10 Canadians say regardless of political stripe, politicians who have contributed to or supported these protests should be voted out of office.

The survey was conducted between February 14 and 15, 2022 using a random selection of 1,518 adults who are Maru Voice Canada panelists and is accurate +/- 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

With files from The Canadian Press