What is the War Measure Acts?

The War Measures Act was a Canadian statute enacted in 1914, granting the government broad powers to maintain security and order during wartime. It allowed for the suspension of civil liberties, censorship, and the internment of individuals deemed as threats to national security. The Act was notably used during World War I, World War II, and the October Crisis in 1970. Its powers have been criticized for infringing on individual rights and freedoms.