Law enforcement authorities have not ruled out any options, including calling in the armed forces, even as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the ongoing truckers strike in Ottawa “is now illegal.”
Truckers continued their siege of the Canadian capital on Wednesday and showed no signs of leaving. Organisers of the 2022 Freedom Team said in a statement that they “plan to remain in Ottawa ‘as long as possible’ before governments across Canada end all Covid 19-related tasks.”
However, Trudeau again attacked the protesters, telling the House of Commons in French that his government was working with law enforcement agencies to “ensure that this now-unlawful protest does end,” according to the outlet Global News.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly held a virtual briefing with Ottawa city councillors about the strike and said, “I’m getting more and more concerned that there’s no police addressing this,” according to CBC News. .
“We are looking at every option, including military assistance to civilian power,” he added.
Protest organizers say they understand the anxiety of Ottawa residents, who have had to endure traffic jams and other inconveniences since trucks began arriving in the city on Friday.
In a statement, senior team leader Chris Barber said the “responsibility” for the situation fell squarely on the shoulders of politicians who would rather vilify and abuse us than engage in a respectful, serious conversation.
Trudeau called for dialogue when India began protesting the farm law in December, and he has always insisted he would not speak to representatives of the protesters.
Protesters are seeking an end to mandates related to Covid-19 vaccinations, as well as lockdowns and requirements for vaccine passports.
“Organisers were particularly frustrated by the extreme and divisive rhetoric used by politicians – especially Justin Trudeau – who described protesters as racist and even terrorist,” the team’s press statement said.
The campaign has raised more than C$10 million ($7.8 million) so far, but the online fundraising site GoFundMe put it on hold while it reviewed how the funds could be used.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
