Kenney continues to show disapproval for nationwide blockades
Posted February 19, 2020 7:54 am.
Last Updated February 20, 2020 6:05 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Alberta’s premier continues to voice his displeasure with blockades across the country, calling it an act of anarchy.
Speaking at the Peter Lougheed Centre Wednesday morning, Kenney spoke about the blockades including the one set up near Edmonton earlier in the day.
He took aim at media reporting these protests as standing in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation.
“They are not in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en. The Wet’suwet’en elected tribal council voted to enter into an agreement with Coastal Gas Link as did all other 19 northern British Columbia First Nations through whom that project passes.”
He added the protestors don’t represent the wide interests of Indigenous Canadians.
“If Canada means anything, we need to be able to work together constructively. Reconciliation doesn’t mean allowing a couple of people to shut down a national economy. Reconciliation means listening with respect, ensuring that Indigenous people get a chance to benefit.”
Kenney was also critical of the Prime Minister’s response Tuesday saying he was perplexed by how Trudeau is handling the situation.
The Premier took to Twitter Tuesday night demanding action against the blockades, calling for action.
450 more workers laid off at CN rail.
Propane supplies running short.
Thousands of jobs at risk.
Our laws being mocked.
The democratic wishes of the Wet’suwet’en to build @CoastalGasLink are being hijacked.
Authorities must act to enforce the law.https://t.co/bxkeFubxf8
— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) February 19, 2020
Kenney said the country’s laws are being mocked and the democratic wishes of the Wet’suwet’en people to build the Coastal Gas Link pipeline are being hijacked.
He also noted the 450 temporary job losses at CN Rail, fearing thousands more could be at risk.
RELATED: CN Rail temporarily laying off around 450 employees due to pipeline protests
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke on the protests calling the crisis a critical moment for the country.
He said it’s past time to resolve the nationwide blockades and tensions over the pipeline project and is asking demonstrators to engage with his government to seek a solution.
Despite calls from Opposition politicians to allow RCMP to remove protestors, The Prime Minister warned against using force to stop the blockades.
Chiefs with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation say they will not negotiate with either the Province of B.C. or the Federal Government until RCMP is off its land.
