The federal government is invoking the Emergencies Act to help clear some of the blockades and address other activities that are impeding normal movement and activities in places like Ottawa’s downtown and border crossings.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to the airwaves Monday evening to announce that the Emergencies Act was being invoked in a “time limited”, “geographically targeted”, and “reasonable and proportionate” way.

Trudeau says the Emergencies Act, which flows from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, is seldom used, but will allow police agencies the ability to impose fines and make arrests if necessary to clear illegal activity and restore trade routes.

He says police will be given more tools to restore order in places where public assemblies can constitute illegal and dangerous activities, like what has been seen in Ottawa, and at the Ambassador Bridge. Trudeau says government will designate, secure and protect places and infrastructure that are critical to the economy and people’s jobs including border crossings and airports.

He says the Emergencies Act is not being brought in to call in the military or to override the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

He says the Canadian government is not limiting people’s freedom of speech, freedom of peaceful assembly or their right to protest legally.

Trudeau also indicated that the Canadian Border Services Agency has already turned away “non-Canadians” trying to enter the country to participate in blockades.