While trucks and other vehicles and protesters are continue to block downtown Ottawa, others are ending their blockade at the U.S./Canada border.

The convoy is leaving a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set the Emergencies Act into motion, giving him the power to take measures in helping end the protests.

With Trudeau stepping in amid criticisms of a weak police response, Chief of Police Peter Sloly resigned on Tuesday, reports the New York Times.

Here's a breakdown of what the Emergencies Act is and the power it gives Trudeau.  

The Emergencies Act gives the government added powers during a national crisis. It can only be invoked if existing federal law can't address the current emergency and provinces can't handle it effectively, reports the BBC.

The Act outlines four types of emergencies: public welfare, public order, international and war emergencies. The situation must also be considered a threat to Canada's national security.

This is the first time the Emergencies Act has been applied.

Under this Act the Canadian government can:
• Ban travel to or from specific areas
• Order the evacuation of people and personal property from certain areas
• Direct individuals and companies to provide essential services like towing
• It would also stop the use of crowdfunding websites for illegal activities and punish the companies whose trucks participated in the protest

While Trudeau has said "everything is on the table" to clear out the protesters, he has also said military involvement is a last resort, reports the BBC. 

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