A group of lawyers says the use of the Emergencies Act by the federal government is not warranted, and failing to meet its strict criteria before invoking it undermines the rule of law and civil liberties. The motion was passed in the House of Commons on the night of Feb. 21. The act must also be passed in the Senate, where it is currently being debated. If senators fail to approve it, the order would be immediately revoked. In a letter sent to all members of Parliament and senators on the morning of Feb. 21, a group of 35 lawyers urged them to reject the use of the Emergencies Act invoked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of the vote in the House of Commons that night. “Parliamentarians control parliament—not the government,” the letter said. “We encourage you to exercise your authority, consider the issues we have identified, and view …