The government framed its defence of invoking the Emergencies Act in House debates Thursday principally on the need to clear border blockades that are already over, as the opposition pressed to hear evidence to justify the measure of last resort. “The blockades and occupations are illegal. They’re a threat to our economy and relationship with trading partners,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, acknowledging that border blockades have already cleared. “It is high time that these illegal and dangerous activities stop, including here in Ottawa.” Trudeau opened the debates and re-stated arguments heard in recent days, such as that the measure is time-limited, targeted, and proportionate, and that people’s Charter rights are being protected. The government invoked for the first time the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14 and it came into effect at that time. Now the motion to confirm the declaration of emergency is being debated before Parliament and could …