BREAKING: Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act against freedom protesters

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media on Monday, where he invoked the Emergencies Act in order to deal with the freedom protests that have broken out across Canada at border crossings and major cities. Specifically, the prime minister referred to "illegal blockades" and claimed that freedom protesters were guilty of "harassment" and that their protests were not peaceful.

Rumours circulated that the prime minister would invoke the act, following a late-night cabinet meeting on Sunday. The prime minister would go on to hold private meetings with premiers on Monday, as well as another meeting with his caucus.

"With each illegal blockade, local law enforcement agencies have been acting to keep the peace within their jurisdiction. Despite their best efforts, it is now clear that there are serious challenges to law enforcements ability to effectively enforce the law.

"On Friday, Ontario invoked a state of emergency to respond to the blockades. This was the responsible and necessary thing to do. Today, to continue building on these efforts, the federal government is ready to use more tools at its disposal to get the situation fully under control.

"After discussing with cabinet and caucus, after consultation with premiers from all provinces and territories.. the federal government has involved the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations.

"The scope of these measures will be time-limited, geographically targeted, as well as reasonable and proportionate to the threats they are meant to address.