By Andrew Thomson | UPDATED 3:14pmET
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks on border blockades, Ottawa protest
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Canada-U.S. border at Windsor and other crossings “cannot and will not remain closed” and “everything is on the table,” but concern about violence means he would not say specifically when or how blockades come to an end.
And the prime minister suggested that using the Canadian armed forces against civilian protesters "is something to avoid having to do at all costs" and not being seriously considered at the moment.
"The absolute safest way for this to end is for everyone to return to your communities now. If you're still participating in illegal blockades, you're hurting your neighbours. So it's time to go home—especially if you have kids with you," PM Trudeau urges protestors.#cdnpoli https://t.co/BmvoasZMkL
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) February 11, 2022
"We are a long way from ever having to call in the military. Although, of course, we have to be ready for any eventuality. But it is not something we are seriously contemplating at this time,” says PM Trudeau when asked re: prospect of military role in ending blockades.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/RFG7pO0EUs
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) February 11, 2022
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is working with provincial and local police forces but politicians will continue to avoid directing law enforcement, Trudeau said this afternoon on Parliament Hill.
Asked about criticism that the federal government has lagged in responding to the crisis, Trudeau said: “In this country jurisdictions work together … to ensure the right outcomes for citizens.”
He also said Ontario’s declaration of a state of emergency is a “responsible and necessary announcement.”
Trudeau said he spoke today with U.S. President Joe Biden about the border, the U.S. origins of interference with Ottawa’s 9-1-1 system, and the presence of American citizens – and money – in the blockades.
Watch the full news conference:
Ontario Premier Doug Ford declares province-wide state of emergency
Ontario Premier Doug Ford declares a province-wide state of emergency as part of an effort to end blockades in the province, including one blocking access to the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
"This is not how we try to change things here in Canada. We do it through the ballot box—because we are Canadian and we are better than that. And so as a province—as a nation—we must collectively draw a line." said Premier Doug Ford of ongoing truck blockades.#cdnpoli | #onpoli https://t.co/d4fulwzVFM
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) February 11, 2022
Watch the full news conference:
Watch: Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino discusses response to convoy protests, Ontario state of emergency
Watch: Ottawa police chief provides update at special meeting of police board
Watch: City of Toronto protest update
Federal COVID-19 update with ministers, officials
The federal government is expected to announce changes to COVID-19 border restrictions next week, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said today.
"With the worst of Omicron now behind us, our government is actively reviewing the measures in place at our borders, and we should be able to communicate changes on this next week," federal health minister Jean-Yves Duclos announces in Ottawa. #cdnpoli | #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/AWAByPXXs1
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) February 11, 2022
Watch the full news conference with ministers Jean-Yves Duclos (health) and Dominic LeBlanc (intergovernmental affairs). along with Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer
In the House
MPs consider government motions to expedite debate on a pair of pandemic-related bills:
- C-10, which sets aside $1.5 billion to supply rapid tests
- C-12, which addresses the clawback of Guaranteed Income Supplement payments to low-income seniors because of COVID-19 emergency benefits claimed as income.
Watch today's question period:
In Committee
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal go before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs to discuss economic development. 1pm ET / 10am PT
The industry committee continues to hear testimony on Canada’s critical mineral sector. 1pm ET / 10am PT
Watch Thursday's PrimeTime Politics: More Questions On Blockades, Vaccine Mandates
Peter Van Dusen and MPs discuss vaccine mandates and the crowdfunding of Canada’s convoy protests. We hear from Taleeb Noormohamed (Liberal), Stephen Ellis (Conservative), and Alistair MacGregor (NDP).
Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, talks about the Ambassador Bridge blockade and the disruption to supply chains and Canada’s auto sector.
Also: analysis on the blockades, the vaccine mandates, and the Conservative leadership race from political commentators Susan Smith, Andrea Van Vugt, and Kim Wright.
Today in Politics Podcast: Mark Sutcliffe and Joanna Smith
The governor of Michigan calls on Canada to clear border blockades. Candice Bergen tells the protesters to go home. And Ontario has yet to meet with other levels of government as the protests continue.
Here's your morning update with Mark Sutcliffe:
