Why Is The War Measures Act Justified

The War Measures Act was declared for the third time in Canadian history (but for the first time for domestic use in the country) for the October Crisis in 1970. The terrorist group Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) kidnapped the British trade commissioner James Cross and The Quebec Labour Minister, Pierre Laporte and the group also murdered Pierre Laporte. This crisis shocked everyone and it led to the command of the War Measures Act. Pierre Trudeau’s decision to pass the War Measures Act was a very necessary and a strong step due to the acts of terrorism. I agree that his decision was right and the act was justified because of three reasons which are that the act dealt with the greatest terrorist attack in Canadian history, the majority

The FLQ group wanted Quebec to have its own freedom and they gave the country this message in a violent manner by kidnapping and murdering government officials. They demanded the release of 23 political prisoners being held for bombings and terrorist activities. The terrorist group demanded transportation to Cuba or Algeria, five hundred thousand dollars in gold bars and publication of the FLQ manifesto (statement of beliefs) (Cruxton, Wilson 368). The group kidnapped James Cross, the government had 48 hours to accept their demands or James Cross would be killed. The government refused to follow the demands and the FLQ group kidnapped Pierre Laporte, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Labour of the province of Quebec. The government began to take the crisis very seriously and then the War Measures Act was proclaimed by Pierre Trudeau. People began to share their opinions and they created a lot of chaos because not all opinions were the same. A lot of people thought that Pierre Trudeau's decision of declaring the War Measure Act was justified, but many people thought that a big action like that was not necessary at all. It divided the English speaking Canadians and the French speaking Canadians once again. During the crisis the English speaking Canadians were terrified by these terrorists while some of the French population supported the actions that the FLQ took. I believe that Pierre

There were many severe terms of the War Measures Act, but Trudeau didn’t use any of the difficult ones and he handled the crisis very well which to he received many compliments for. He began to realize that his decision is appropriate because he knew that kidnappings were the start of a plan to overthrow the government (Cruxton, Wilson 369). When a reporter asked Trudeau “how far will the government go”, Trudeau replied by saying “just watch me”. Trudeau’s son Justin Trudeau also used this famous quote. The act gave a lot of power to the police and they arrested a total of four hundred and sixty-five people. The War Measures Act gave the Canadian government a lot of power to quickly and productively make useful decisions and to take all actions that are necessary to make everyone feel safe. The public was scared because they weren't used to seeing the army with such strong force and power. But everyone was relieved to know that the country was ready to take any action that would result in a safe and peaceful environment. The people were feeling very proud because their government had the capability and power to put down a violent separatist group. Trudeau made a capable move even though it was severe, and he was a strong man and he knew what was right for his country. Under the War Measures Act the FLQ