Variantes:
Retaliate, conclude a matter, counterattack
Contexto
Across Canada, civil and democratic rights were wiped out, including the rights to free speech and assembly, while the government assumed dictatorial powers. Sweeping repressive laws were put in place by government orders-in-council, enabled by the War Measures Act. The government aimed to crush dissent, to silence disagreement, to create an atmosphere of panic and fear across the country. The absolute powers of the police and military were used to settle accounts with political adversaries and critics.