Canadian Judge Rules Trudeau Unconstitutionally Blocked Truckers’ Bitcoin Crowdfunding Effort
A Canadian judge has ruled that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau violated the country’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms when he banned truck drivers’ Bitcoin crowdfunding effort in 2022. The Federal Court of Canada, led by Justice Richard Mosley, delivered a significant blow to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, stating that the application of the Emergencies Act to curb financial support for protesting truckers was both unreasonable and unconstitutional. In a ruling on January 23, the court firmly declared that there was no national emergency justifying the use of the Emergencies Act.
Legal Challenge Against Government’s Use of Emergency Law
A public inquiry endorsed the government’s actions during the invocation of the Act, but the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the Canadian Constitution Foundation challenged the government’s use of the emergency law. They argued that freezing funds through emergency powers was unnecessary and a violation of constitutional rights. This legal challenge prompted a judicial review, resulting in the federal court ruling Trudeau and his cabinet in violation of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Background: Emergencies Act and Protest Disruptions
In February 2022, the Canadian government imposed the Emergencies Act when truckers staged the “Freedom Convoy 2022” protests against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. The protests caused disruptions to the US-Canada trade route. As part of the measures taken, funds, including cryptocurrencies and donations, were frozen to quell the protests. Initially, the truckers attempted to crowdfund their protest through GoFundMe, but the government thwarted their efforts. They then turned to BTC-powered Tallycoin and raised over $540,000, receiving additional BTC donations from various sources.
Government’s Intention to Appeal
The government argued that the Emergencies Act was necessary due to illegal occupations and border blockades by protesters. However, Justice Mosley deemed this reasoning unreasonable and unconstitutional. Despite the ruling, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the government’s intention to appeal the decision, stating that they believed the action was justified and necessary.
Hot Take: Judge Rules Trudeau Violated Rights in Banning Truckers’ Bitcoin Crowdfunding
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ban on truck drivers’ Bitcoin crowdfunding has been deemed unconstitutional by a Canadian judge. The court ruled that the use of the Emergencies Act to curb financial support for protesting truckers was both unreasonable and a violation of the country’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The legal challenge against the government’s actions led to this ruling, which stated that there was no national emergency justifying the invocation of the Act. Despite the court’s decision, the government plans to appeal. This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between emergency powers and individual rights in times of crisis.
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