On Parliament Hill

The Government of Canada has two primary responsibilities: public safety and economic prosperity. Unfortunately, in both regards, Justin Trudeau has been missing in action.

Radical activists, opposing a pipeline project in B.C., are holding our country hostage.

The illegal rail and road blockades by a small group of Indigenous (and non indigenous) protesters – many of whom have no connection to the Wet’suwet’en people – pose a threat not only to law and order and Canada’s economy but are a subversion of our democracy and an existential threat to Canadian sovereignty.

Under Canada’s Constitution, the duty to consult with impacted Indigenous Canadians and communities on energy projects is clear and has been upheld by numerous court decisions. Conservatives have long advocated steps to ensure Indigenous peoples are able to more fully participate in Canada’s economy. Projects like the Coastal Gas Link Pipeline help make that opportunity a reality.

How, then, can a small group of radicals be allowed to negate the wishes of 20 elected Band Councils and an overwhelming majority (85%) of the Wet’suwet’en people who are in favour of the pipeline?

Every Canadian has the right to freedom of speech and the freedom to peacefully protest but the courts have ruled: These blockades are illegal.

For Justin Trudeau to reach out his hand to criminals and offer dialogue is an abdication of his duties as Prime Minister, and Canadians have had enough.

By refusing to act, the Liberal government is setting a dangerous precedent that a small group of radicals can not only have a devastating impact on the lives of countless Canadians but give them a seat at the table.

Keep in mind, many of these protesters are professional activists and these blockades are just a warm up act. In the end, their goal is the shut-down of our entire energy sector. This is step one in their agenda of anarchy. Anarchy the Trudeau Liberals are seeking to appease with (what Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer rightly called) “the weakest response to a national crisis in Canadian history.”

We cannot let anyone run roughshod over the rule of law in Canada.

The RCMP Act is clear. The Minister of Public Safety has the ultimate authority over Canada’s national police force, and he has the power to direct the RCMP to enforce the court order. Likewise, Canada’s National Defense Act allows for (regular) co-operation between Canada’s Armed Forces and civilian police to enforce Canada’s laws.

It’s time for Justin Trudeau to pick up the phone and put an end to this situation.

For all Canadians.