Trucker convoy protests, blockades are 'hurting' Canadians: Feds

As the "Freedom Convoy" protest in Ottawa drags into its second week, and blockades continue at key border crossings in Ontario and Alberta, federal officials are calling on all those involved to recognize the damage they are doing to Canadians and the economy.

“I want to be clear, those participating in the convoy are hurting Canadians. They pose serious dangers for the economy, and they are breaking the law, and no one is above the law,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino on Wednesday during an update on federal response efforts.

Facing calls to provide additional resources to resolve the ongoing blockades, the federal government has vowed broadly to offer assistance, but continues to point to the independence of the local law enforcement agencies who have jurisdiction.

“Whatever the frustrations, disagreements, any of those who are participating in the convoy may have with the government's strategy, not only the federal government, but the provincial government and other governments… with the strategy out of the pandemic, none of that justifies breaking the law,” said Mendicino.

In Ottawa, the city remains in a state of emergency as the trucker convoy protesters continue to occupy key roadways and other city land demanding the country be freed of COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, while musing about undemocratic ways to replace the federal government.