Landmark Ruling: Federal Court of Canada Strikes Down Unconstitutional Emergency Law – A Turning Point in Legal History!

In a recent landmark decision, the Federal Court of Canada declared the government's use of the Emergencies Act to curb funds and cryptocurrencies supporting protesting truckers as both unreasonable and unconstitutional.

Court's Verdict:

Justice Richard Mosley, in a ruling on January 23rd, 2024, determined that there was no genuine national emergency justifying the invocation of the Emergencies Act. The court's decision specifically addresses Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government freezing funds, including cryptocurrencies, in response to the "Freedom Convoy" protests against COVID-19 restrictions by truckers in February 2022.

Protests Background:

The "Freedom Convoy" protests garnered national attention as truckers protested COVID-19 restrictions, particularly vaccination mandates for cross-border travel. The government, asserting an illegal occupation, froze funds using the Emergencies Act.

Implications and Opposition:

Groups such as the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the Canadian Constitution Foundation contested the government's actions, arguing they were unnecessary and unconstitutional. Justice Mosley's ruling underscored that the Emergencies Act should be a last resort, not invoked for mere convenience.

The CCLA sees this decision as a precedent, emphasizing the need for future governments to adhere to constitutional principles even in times of unrest.

Government's Response:

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the government's intention to appeal the decision. The ruling challenges the government's authority in addressing crises and maintaining control.

Role of Cryptocurrency:

Cryptocurrency played a crucial role in funding the trucker protests, with organizers estimated to have received millions of dollars. GoFundMe froze over $9 million in donations during the protests, leading organizers to turn to Tallycoin and Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo, where substantial amounts in cryptocurrency were raised.

Industry Reactions:

The freezing of digital assets in Canada drew criticism from cryptocurrency executives, including Jesse Powell, founder of Kraken. Industry leaders raised concerns about government overreach and its potential implications for the broader cryptocurrency community.

In summary, the Federal Court's decision challenges the government's actions during the trucker protests, emphasizing the importance of constitutional principles, while the government plans to appeal, signaling potential ongoing legal battles.