Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a press conference on Friday, as the convoy protest enters its third weekend in the downtown core of the country's capital of Ottawa.
"The illegal blockades are hurting Canadians, whether they're in Ottawa, Coutts, Emerson, or Windsor," said Trudeau, who commended the "responsible and necessary" decision made by Premier Doug Ford to declare a State of Emergency in the province, and also said he discussed the border crisis with President Biden today.
"The border cannot and will not remain closed. I want to remind everyone that politicians don't direct police in a democratic society, but I can assure you that the RCMP is working with provincial and local police departments to enforce the law. Everything is on the table... It has to end, and it will end," he said.
Trudeau made clear that those participating in the protests were now breaking laws, and that "The consequences are becoming more and more severe."
Trudeau: "If you've joined the protest because you're tired of COVID, you now need to understand you are breaking laws. The consequences are becoming more and more severe." pic.twitter.com/tSvJF2oFB5
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Trudeau specifically mentioned "US-based flooding of 9-1-1 lines in Ottawa... The impact of foreign money" as causes for concerns, adding that Canada's banks "ensure funds cannot be used for criminal or illegal activity, and these blockades are illegal."
He said that Canada's banks are monitoring financial activity very closely, and taking action as necessary.
Trudeau has faced pressure from members of his own party as of late, to provide a clear roadmap out of the pandemic. During Friday's press conference, Trudeau said that he had conversations with Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, as well as Canada's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Theresa Tam.
He echoed what was revealed earlier today by the health minister, saying that there were plans to adjust travel measures under federal jurisdiction.
'Long way' from calling in the military, says PM
Many questions from the press focused on the possibility that the prime minister would call in the military. Trudeau said that the focus, however, would be on
"I've been very clear that using the military forces against civilian populations in Canada or in any other democracy is something to avoid having to do at all costs. That's why the solution right now is focused on police forces, enforcing the laws, protecting public order in the way that they are trained to do, in a predictable progressive approach that doesn't skip any steps that works to conclude the situation peacefully.
"It's become a lot more difficult, a lot impactful and frankly expensive for people who are in those protests because they're tired of COVID to continue to be a part of these illegal protests.
"The consequences on their lives for choosing to continue the lives of Canadians... are going to be more and more extensive, and therefore, we are very hopeful that people will choose to leave these protests peacefully now that they've been heard.
"... We're a long way from having to call in the military. Of course, we have to be ready for any eventuality. It's not something that we're seriously contemplating at this time."
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