Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an attempt to deal with protests against coronavirus restrictions that have swept the country, for the first time implemented legislation that expands his powers in emergencies..

The head of government announced this on Monday at a press conference in Ottawa, Radio Liberty reports..

The law, which was passed in Canada in 1988 but has never been used, gives the prime minister the power to suspend certain rights of citizens to restore public order..

Trudeau said the application of the emergency legislation " "

Protests in Canada continue for more than two weeks. Thousands of people take to the streets demanding the lifting of sanitary restrictions and mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. In the capital, Ottawa, part of the center is blocked by trucks and other vehicles.. Also, the protesters temporarily blocked several checkpoints on the border with the United States..

The protests began with truckers who opposed a requirement that came into force in January for drivers to show a vaccination certificate upon returning to Canada from the United States, and those who were not vaccinated were ordered to quarantine for two weeks.. Later, the focus shifted, and the government began to be criticized in general for all the measures that it had taken since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic..

Amendments on emergency powers give authorities the ability to " Their vehicle insurance may also be suspended..