Conservatives’ Candice Bergen urges trucker convoy: ‘Take down the barricades’

Bergen had previously offered support for the trucker convoy, and some caucus members met with the demonstrators — a move Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson called 'an absolute disgrace.'

Interim Conservative Leader Candice Bergen is offering a message for the trucker convoy that has been encamped in Ottawa for 14 days, as well as those joining splinter blockades across the country.

“I want to speak directly to Canadians who are demonstrating here in Ottawa and across the country. Your protests began with truckers and you have grown into an international phenomenon,” Bergen said in the House of Commons on Thursday morning.

“To all of you who are taking part in the protests, I believe the time has come to take down the barricades, stop the disruptive action, and come together. The economy you want to see reopened is hurting.

“I believe this is not what you want to do.”

Bergen had previously offered statements of support for the convoy, and members of the Conservative Party met with the demonstrators — a move Mayor Jim Watson called “an absolute disgrace.”

Tensions in the city remain high as the trucker convoy remains encamped at multiple sites, with police still urging the need for an additional 1,800 officers to help them end the demonstrations.

On Thursday, Ottawa police reported that they are witnessing “a concerted effort to flood” 911 lines, as protesters also mobilized at the local airport and hackers took aim at city council.