Lost Liberties: The War Measures Act

2024.3.7-2024.9.8
 

The National Human Rights Museum, in collaboration with the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, presented Lost Liberties: The War Measures Act at the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park from 7 March to 8 September 2024.

Enacted by the Canadian Parliament in 1914, the War Measures Act granted the federal government sweeping powers during times of war, invasion, or insurrection. The Act was invoked only three times in Canada’s history—during the First World War, the Second World War, and the 1970 October Crisis, triggered by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ). While intended as a measure for national security, the Act was widely criticized for its suspension of civil liberties and the human rights violations that followed. It was eventually repealed in 1988 and replaced by the Emergencies Act.

Through historical documents, photographs, and testimonies, this exhibition explores the context and impact of the War Measures Act, shedding light on the tensions between state security and individual freedoms.

By presenting this exhibition in Taiwan, the museum seeks to use the universal theme of difficult history to foster mutual understanding and dialogue. Showcasing the struggles of human rights movements around the world also reminds us of the hard-won democratic achievements we enjoy today, encouraging deeper reflection and conversation across generations on the importance of safeguarding human rights.