Trudeau met with opposition leaders to discuss government response to protests — but didn’t invite Scheer
Addressing the House of Commons Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Canadians to be patient with his government as it seeks a negotiated end to Indigenous protests that have crippled the country’s transportation network.
Trudeau said his government is committed to “dialogue” over the use of force with the Indigenous protesters who have shut down CN Rail in Eastern Canada and much of Via Rail’s services nationwide by blocking a key artery in southern Ontario. CN announced it is “temporarily” laying off about 450 workers at its Eastern Canadian operations.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said Trudeau’s call for more talks with the protesters has emboldened “radical activists” who are intent on holding the Canadian economy hostage.
In a forceful response to Trudeau, Scheer said the prime minister’s reluctance to use the police to stop the illegal blockades was akin to appeasement, a stance that privileges activists over “hard-working Canadians” and Indigenous people who support development.
Trudeau held a meeting with opposition leaders later Tuesday but didn’t extend an invitation to Scheer. Speaking to reporters after the talks, Trudeau said Scheer’s speech signalled he isn’t willing to cooperate.
“Mr. Scheer disqualified himself from constructive discussions with his unacceptable speech earlier today,” Trudeau said.
John Paul Tasker – CBC News – Feb 18, 2020.
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