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The Perspectives email account is no longer being monitored and it has been deactivated.

The public submission process initiated on August 18, 2022 by the Public Order Emergency Commission closed on October 31. The Commission appreciates having received input from more than 9,000 individuals who shared their views and experiences on all aspects of the Commission’s mandate, including the circumstances that led to the declaration of a public order emergency and the measures taken for dealing with the declared emergency in February 2022.

The Commission is seeking submissions from members of the public.

There are several ways in which you can share your views and provide input:

Questions & Instructions to Guide Public Engagement

The Commission has a broad mandate, central to which is the task of examining and reporting on the circumstances that led to the declaration of a public order emergency and the measures taken for dealing with the declared emergency from February 14 to 23, 2022.

The Commission welcomes contributions from all members of the public on their experiences, views, observations, and ideas in order to carry out its mandate and fully appreciate how these matters affected Canadians. This is an important part of the Commission’s investigation, and you are encouraged to make a written submission by following the guidelines below.

It is important to note that the work of the Commission focuses on examining and assessing the basis for the Government’s decision to declare a public order emergency, the circumstances that led to the declaration, and the appropriateness and effectiveness of the measures selected by the Government to deal with the then-existing situation. In light of this mandate, public submissions addressing the questions set out below will be most helpful to the Commission’s work.

Guidelines for preparing your submission to the Commission

You are encouraged to make a submission as early as possible, so that your submission may be read and considered by the Commission prior to the public hearings, which begin on October 13, 2022. Submissions will be accepted until October 31, 2022.

All submissions will be read and considered by the Commission, and your submission may be referred to or quoted by the Commission either in a written report or during the public hearings. No identifying information will be used without your express permission.

When preparing your submission, you are encouraged to consider the following:

  • Try to be specific and where appropriate set out the facts relating to your experiences and views;
  • Consider beginning with a summary of your main message;
  • Focus on the most important things that you want the Commission to know;
  • Tell us how your ideas and suggestions might apply in the future. For example, how would they apply to different protest activities about other matters;
  • Concise, focused submissions are most helpful.

Submissions can be made in English or in French.

The questions set out below are reflected in the questionnaire and may be helpful in organizing your submission.

Question 1 (choose all those that apply to you)

  • If you were involved in protest activities anywhere in Canada in January and February 2022, please tell the Commission about your experiences. For example, what was your involvement, why were you involved, what did you experience, how were you impacted, and how do you feel about your involvement in these activities?
  • If you were personally affected by the protest activities anywhere in Canada, please tell the Commission about your experiences. For example, what affected you, how were you affected (positively or negatively) in your routines and well being, and how did you feel as a result?
  • If you were personally affected by the use of the Emergencies Act, please tell the Commission about your experiences. For example, what affected you, how were you affected (positively or negatively) in your routines and well being, and how did you feel as a result?
  • If you were neither involved in nor personally affected by the protest activities anywhere in Canada, or the use of the Emergencies Act, what are your views and observations on the protest activities that occurred and the police and government response to these, what impact, if any, did these activities have on you, and how did you feel as a result?

Question 2

You are also welcome to tell the Commission about your views on the Emergencies Act, the appropriateness or effectiveness of the measures taken and any changes that you think the Commission should recommend in terms of the Emergencies Act or further areas for study or review. The Commission also welcomes your views on what impact, if any, the protests and/or use of the Emergencies Act had on how Canada is viewed internationally.

Question 3

You are invited to include your name, age, location, and any other characteristics you would like to share with the Commission, although you are not required to do so. For example, do you identify with one or more of the following:

  • Those involved in the convoy, protests, and/or border blockades across Canada
  • Affected community member who was not involved with the convoy, protests, and/or border blockades across Canada
  • Member of the public in a Province or Territory of Canada (please state which one)
  • Individual in a public service or government role, including one in public safety, law enforcement, border protection, first response, and other critical service roles
  • Representative of a Not-for-Profit or advocacy organization
  • Member of the public outside of Canada
  • Other (please explain)

The Commission accepts anonymous submissions, but asks that you please identify your country of residence.

How to make your submission to the Commission

Online Questionnaire

Make a submission by completing a short questionnaire

Email

Email submissions should be sent to the following address: perspectives@poec-cedu.gc.ca

Typically, submissions will be 1 or 2 pages, up to about 5 pages. You may provide supporting materials, if any, as attachments.

Mail

Mail submissions should be sent to the following address:

Public Order Emergency Commission
c/o Main Floor Security Desk
90 Sparks Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3

Typically, submissions will be 1 or 2 pages, up to about 5 pages. You may provide supporting materials, if any, as attachments.

If you have questions about making a submission, or if you are unable to make a submission in writing without an accommodation, please contact the Commission at perspectives@poec-cedu.gc.ca and provide a telephone number, if you wish, so one of our Commission team members can be in touch.