Silence and calm reigned on the streets of Ottawa for the first time in more than three weeks on Sunday, February 20, 2022, as police continued their efforts to put a final end to anti−government demonstrations that immobilized the national capital.

Police arrested two of the main organizers behind an antigovernment demonstration on Parliament Hill late Thursday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says using the Emergencies Act is a measure of last resort to bring an end to the illegal and undemocratic blockades that have harmed Canadians for nearly three weeks now.

The notices state the Emergencies Act gives police the power to seize vehicles that are part of the demonstration and ban people from travelling within a certain area.

Bringing children to the antigovernment blockades that have immobilized downtown Ottawa and shuttered border crossings is among the activities that could net protesters a fine of up to $5,000 or five years in prison while Canada is under the national Emergencies Act.

The government will use that act to force towing companies to remove big rigs and other vehicles that are blocking highways and other critical infrastructure, establish zones where public assembly is not allowed, and require banks to suspend or freeze accounts suspected of supporting the blockades, including those belonging to companies whose trucks are part of the convoy.

But some divisions are now emerging within the Liberal caucus and some MPs are calling for a shift in tone and direction from the government.

The police also warn that protesters' vehicles and other property may be seized and possibly forfeited and that charges or convictions related to unlawful activity may lead to them being barred from travelling to the United States.

There is a noticeable decline in how trusting Canadians are of their leaders and institutions as the pandemic drags on, and it's particularly striking among those who remain anxious or stressed about COVID-19, a new survey suggests.