Digging into the landmark Emergencies Act ruling and reactions

Plus, the consequences of a toboggan ban and calls to ban "parental alienation" claims [The Star] First Up [By Kevin Jiang] By Kevin Jiang Good morning. Here’s the latest on continuing fallout from the so-called “Freedom Convoy,” the unintended victims of tobogganing bans and why feminists want to ban claims of “parental alienation.” DON’T MISS Canadian Press/Justin Tang federal politics [The Trudeau government violated Canadians’ Charter rights by invoking the Emergencies Act]( In a landmark decision Tuesday, federal Justice Richard Mosley ruled there was no legal justification for using the Emergencies Act to quash weeks of pandemic-related protests that rocked Ottawa in 2022 — a decision Justin Trudeau’s Liberals immediately said would be appealed. Mosley’s ruling stated that while the situation was “critical,” nothing that was happening during the so-called “Freedom Convoy” amounted to a “national emergency.” Furthermore, freezing protesters’ bank accounts and barring people from participating was a breach of their rights, he continued. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the government’s actions, telling reporters: “We believed we were doing something necessary and something legal at the time — that continues to be my belief today.” [Take a closer look at the decision](. - Wait, what? Mosley’s decision comes almost a year after Justice Paul Rouleau, head of the inquiry investigating Ottawa’s decision to use the Emergencies Act, [concluded “with reluctance” that the Trudeau government was justified in its actions](. - The aftermath: Civil rights groups celebrated Mosley’s decision, while opposition party members including Pierre Poilievre pointed the finger at Trudeau, saying he “caused this crisis by dividing people.” [Here’s how other key players reacted](. Canadian Press/Justin Tang parenting [The unintended consequences of Toronto’s tobogganing bans]( As Canada’s children and youth stare down an escalating mental health crisis, it’s become clear the kids are not all right — and experts say rules limiting risky play, like Toronto banning tobogganing on 45 hills so far this year, are partly at fault. Taking risks can help breed confidence in children, one expert tells the Star’s Francine Kopun, while improving their ability to manage stress, uncertainty and anxiety. “We’re robbing kids of opportunities to get those positive effects. So what we’re seeing is a huge increase in children’s depression and anxiety,” they said. The decades-long trend of removing facilities for kids to enjoy risky play may be leading to unforeseen consequences. [Here’s what you need to know](. - Context: Toronto launched its toboggan hill inspection program in 2017, causing popular locations to receive regular inspections and occasional bans. It’s caused some city councillors to say [Toronto is moving in the direction of “no-fun city.”]( - Word from Olivia Chow: In an exclusive interview with the Star near the end of 2023, Toronto mayor Olivia Chow highlighted a number of areas impacting the city’s youth today, from unstable housing to a lack of access to libraries. [Here’s how she plans to tackle the issues](. Canadian Press/Christopher Katsarov courts [What are “parental alienation” claims and why are feminist groups urging Ottawa to ban them?]( A new open letter from a coalition representing more than 250 feminist organizations is calling on Ottawa to ban the controversial use of “parental alienation” claims — a court-recognized concept describing when one parent undermines the relationship of their child with another parent. “Too often, courts and custody evaluators consider that reporting family violence or asking for reduced contact between the father and the child are signs of ‘alienation,’” the letter reads, leading some courts to “force minors, against their will, to live with their fathers.” While lawyers acknowledge the concept does get abused in divorce proceedings, Mark Ramzy reports, they assert parental alienation is real and should be thoroughly examined, not banned outright. [Here’s a closer look at the debate and why it matters](. - The Star’s take: In 2022, 184 Canadian women and girls were killed by a male — equivalent to one female murdered every 48 hours. In order to address intimate partner violence, we must first tackle its root causes, writes the Star’s editorial board — [and that begins with education](. - What we know: Is it possible to have a “good” divorce? An amicable parting is always the goal, especially if kids are involved. [Here’s what experts advise and how exes navigated their own situations when emotions ran hot](. [PoliceAlerts] Want to keep an eye on law enforcement? With our new alerts, you’ll get an email as soon as there are updates in our ongoing investigation of policing and policy across the GTA or other breaking news about police accountability. [Sign up for free here](. WHAT ELSE The Bank of Canada will make an interest rate announcement this morning. [Here’s why they’re expected to hold the line](. [There’s “overwhelming” evidence a Muslim family’s murder was white nationalist terrorism]( the Crown argued at Nathaniel Veltman’s trial. Justin Trudeau fends off warnings from business groups and [maintains he won’t slash federal spending](. Concerns over a rare total solar eclipse have [caused four GTA school boards to reschedule PA days](. [The “boss” behind a GTA cannabis operation arranged a murder “to send a message.”]( [An Air France plane dragged its tail on a runway]( at Pearson airport after an aborted landing. As Israel suffers the heaviest losses of its Gaza offensive and a rejected hostage deal, [is its war with Hamas about to shift?]( Donald Trump’s New Hampshire victory [gets him closer to the dangerous fantasy of a golden age](. “Sephora kids” are amassing pricey skincare collections. [Here’s how parents are dealing](. Toronto is considering a [new tax on foreign home buyers](. [Our critic decodes the snubs and surprises in the 2024 Oscar nominations]( including the big “Barbie” shocker. [What’s a “rat snack” and why do we like them so much?]( A dietitian breaks down the viral TikTok trend. POV Canadian Press/Chris Young [As education minister, Stephen Lecce has a lesson for students about protecting democracy.]( CLOSE-UP Carlos Osorio CHATHAM-KENT: Canada Post has unveiled a new stamp for Black History Month honouring Mary Ann Shadd, a celebrated lawyer, abolitionist and the first woman newspaper publisher in Canada. [Here’s what to know about the pioneering educator](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_207687). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. 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