Local MP Blake Richards cited three reasons why he didn't agree with the government invoking the Emergencies Act.

After a four-day debate, members of the House of Commons affirmed the government's decision to impose the act. The Liberals and NDP members of the minority Liberal government combined to overweighed opposition from the Conservative and Bloc Québécois in a 185-151 vote.

Immediately afterward, interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen attempted to enter a motion recalling the use of the Emergencies Act, but that motion was ruled out of order. She says the fight isn't over.

Richards made his speech Saturday and pointed out why he was opposed.

"First, because the government failed to understand why this is happening. Secondly, the government failed to know what to do about it, and third, because most importantly, the government has absolutely failed to provide any legitimate justification for this unprecedented overreach," said Richards during his speech in the House.

"I thought that we lived in a democracy in Canada, but in a democracy, a government can't suspend people's rights, they can't freeze people's assets, they can't cease their bank accounts just because they disagree with them."

He believes the use of the action requires a true threat to national security and did not believe one existed.

He said all the same arguments could have been used two years ago when several pipelines and railway lines were blocked for several weeks.

"I'm not suggesting it should have been used, but at that time the Prime Minister said we are a country that recognizes the right to protest, and we will ensure that everything is done to resolve this through dialogue and constructive outcome."

Nor was it used in 2014 when Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was killed at the National War Memorial by Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, who went on to make entry into the Central Block parliament building before being gunned down, pointed out Richards.

"Nobody suggested using the Emergencies Act at that time, either. I'm not suggesting that should have been done at that time, but that was a far greater threat to our Parliament and our democracy than what we're seeing today."

Don Davies, NDP MP for Vancouver Kingsway, argued Richards' points, saying the blockades disrupted  $330 million in daily trade between Canada and the States and had a massive impact upon Ontario's manufacturing and auto sector.

Davies said undercover intelligence revealed plans to expand the blockade to ports and airports and cited a published manifesto by the protest's leadership that called for a change in government. Davies was also disturbed by the level of foreign interference and funding, calling it an unacceptable intrusion into Canada's domestic affairs.

"To my honourable colleague, does he really think that none of those facts are relevant to an honest assessment of whether the Emergencies Act is triggered?" questioned Davies. "Does he really think that there are no facts present in Canada that can warrant such an examination?"

Richards recognized they are of great concern but said the high bar of invoking the Emergencies Act was not met.

If dialogue had occurred, Richards believes a quick resolution was possible.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the enhanced powers of the act won't be used longer than necessary but did not rule out extending it beyond its initial 30-day window if necessary. He didn't discount the possibility of the protesters attempting to return to Parliament Hill or setting up further blockades on major trade routes.