By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — Calling in the military to end the Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa and at several border crossings is a last resort, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.

But at a news conference Trudeau appeared to have lost patience with the protesters.

“This unlawful activity has to end, and it will end,” he said.

Does that mean military intervention? Only when there are no other options, said the prime minister.

“We are a long way from ever having to call in the military, although of course we have to be ready for any eventuality,” said Trudeau. “It is not something we are seriously contemplating at this time.

“Using military forces against civilian populations in Canada or any other democracy is something to having to do at all costs,” he added.

The protest has now entered its third week and spread from Parliament Hill in Ottawa to several Canadian cities and several border crossings.

Cross-border traffic has been slowed to a snail’s pace and halted in some instances.

The cost to the Canadian economy is in the hundreds of millions of dollars daily.

Worries about violence

Trudeau doesn’t speculate on how the demonstrations will be stopped but says the longer they go on, the more potential for violence.

“I can’t say too much more now as to exactly when, or how this ends because unfortunately we are concerned about violence,” he said.

He pleaded with demonstrators to end the protest and go home.

“We’re taking every precaution to keep people safe, but the absolute safest way for this to end is for everyone to return to your communities,” said Trudeau.

Trudeau says his government plans to ease some public health restrictions next week.

But he denies this is the result of pressure from protesters.

“I think it’s extremely important to emphasize that all the decisions we take will be based in science and indeed will be focused on Canadians getting their lives back to normal,” Trudeau said.

He did not elaborate on what measures would be lifted but did says he is not considering removing the requirement to be fully vaccinated to travel on a plane or a train, or to work for the federal government.

Trudeau says he discussed the border closures in a phone call today with U.S. President Joe Biden.

He says Biden has offered help from U.S. Homeland Security.

There are concerns that the protests will spread to American locations, including this weekend in Los Angeles where the Super Bowl is being held.
(Eagle News Service)