The Prime Minister is once again calling on participants in the illegal blockades to halt their activities or face serious consequences.

The blockades on the Ambassador Bridge at Winsor, Ontario and at other border crossing sites are “endangering jobs” and causing “threats to our economy” and public safety the Prime Minister said in a public address today.

He says the blockades are hurting are everyday families. He met with David Cassidy of UNIFOR who impressed on him the impact it’s having on workers in southern Ontario. The blockades “have to end” says Trudeau, “for the good of all Canadians.”

He says all leaders and parties “must denounce these illegal acts” and he called the Ontario provincial government’s decision to call a State of Emergency “responsible and necessary.”

In the meantime, Trudeau spoke with US President Joe Biden to discuss shared challenges at the border, and what he calls the American and global influences on the protest, the US-based flooding of 911 phone lines in Ottawa, and the presence of US citizens in the blockades.

He says politicians do not direct police in a democratic society, but he offered assurances that the RCMP is working with local police departments to enforce the law. “This unlawful activity has to end, and it will end.”

He won’t say when or how the situation will end, because of the concern of violence, and he assured that every precaution is being taken to keep people safe. “The absolute safest end is for everyone to return to your communities now,” says Trudeau.