“Unacceptable blockages” that threaten the economy and must end: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau once again stepped up to the plate on Wednesday February 9 against anti-sanitary measures protesters who have been blocking the streets of the Canadian capital Ottawa for almost two weeks, where the police threatened to crack down.

“Blockages, illegal demonstrations are unacceptable” and have “a negative impact for our businesses, our manufacturers”, lamented the head of government before the deputies.

"We must do everything to put an end to it", hammered Justin Trudeau, however offering no way out of the political crisis while in the streets of Ottawa, occupied since the end of January, the tension has risen a notch .

For the first time, the police sent a message by press release to the demonstrators, informing them that they could now be arrested.

On Tuesday, the police had reported 23 arrests since the start of the movement.

"We advise you that anyone blocking the streets or helping others to block them may be prosecuted" and "is likely to be arrested", warned the police, adding that vehicles could also be seized.

In the streets of Ottawa, some 400 heavy goods vehicles were still installed on Parliament Hill and under the offices of Justin Trudeau, with no intention of leaving.

Demonstrators have taken out barbecues in the middle of the street, others are playing football.

Cans of gasoline, which are used to refuel the trucks continuously, are placed here and there And a federal police helicopter flies over the scene, noted an AFP journalist.

Blocked bridge

In addition, the blocking, since Monday, of the Ambassador Bridge on the border with the United States, worries authorities and economic circles.

This suspension bridge, which connects Ontario to Detroit, is crucial for the automotive industry but also for American hospitals which employ many Canadian nurses.

"The blockage endangers supply chains, the auto industry, because this bridge is a key channel," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

According to the Government of Canada, nearly 5,000 factory workers in Windsor, a Canadian city nestled near Detroit, have been sent home due to "criminal actions" by protesters.

With AFP

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