The Prime Minister’s message to the protesters in Ottawa and and the border blockades is that they are hurting Canadians, endangering jobs, with threats to the economy and to public safety, and what they are doing is illegal. Justin Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden today (Fri) addressing the border blockades and they both agree the blockades cannot continue. The Prime Minister says they discussed the American and global influences on the protests, the U.S.-based flooding of 911 phone lines in Ottawa, the presence of American citizens at the blockades and the impact of foreign money.

Trudeau says for those who are protesting, if you joined because you are tired of COVID, you are breaking the laws, and the consequences are becoming more severe. You get end up with a criminal record, possibly losing your job and not being able to travel internationally, including to the U.S.

He adds that politicians can’t direct police, but he assures that the RCMP are working with provincial and local departments and all options are on the table. Trudeau can’t say when or how this will end, because there are concerns about violence. When asked if the military might be brought in, he replied that we know that in this kind of demonstration, the best solution is people decide for themselves that they have been heard and it is now time to go home.

Trudeau understands the frustrations with COVID and the pandemic, but says the only way out is for the government to continue working with public health officials and following the best scientific advice.