The PM on resolving differences by listening
“Mr. Speaker, people are troubled by what they’ve been witnessing this past week … They’re asking themselves what is happening in this country. They’re asking what lies ahead. For themselves, for their communities, for Canada. They know that these protests are serious. That this is a critical moment for our country and for our future. And so do I. On all sides people are upset and frustrated, I get it. It’s understandable. Because this is about things that matter. Rights and livelihoods, rule of law. Our democracy.
“(Translation) To those who are feeling the consequences of the blockades and protests, I know that you are going through difficult times. Rest assured that our government is working hard to find a solution. Our government’s priority is to resolve this situation peacefully, but also to protect rule of law in our country. We will always defend that principle. (Translation ends)
“It is time — past time — for this situation to be resolved … (F) inding a solution will not be simple. It will take determination, hard work and cooperation… (T) oday as prime minister, once again I am formally extending my hand in partnership and trust. Over the last 11 days our government has been working on a path forward even as many have said we should give up. Because we know what is at stake. We know that we cannot afford to fail. So we are creating a space for peaceful, honest dialogue with willing partners … We are not asking that you stop standing up for your communities, your rights and for what you believe, we only ask that you be willing to work with the federal government as a partner in finding solutions …
“(Translation) Let’s be clear. Our government will continue to work night and day to peacefully find a solution. In the past, we have seen just how quickly these situations can change. I know that we all want to find a solution, and at the same time we must prevent the situation from worsening. Yesterday, I again convened the Incident Response Group to discuss the situation and our path forward. I have also spoken with premiers across the country of the impact of blockades on workers, farmers, businesses across the country. (Translation ends)
“Because, Mr. Speaker, what is the alternative? Do we want to become a country of irreconcilable differences? Where people talk but refuse to listen. Where politicians are ordering police to arrest people. A country where people think they can tamper with rail lines and endanger lives. This is simply unacceptable. We cannot solve these problems on the margins. That is not the way forward. I know that people’s patience is running short. We need to find a solution and we need to find it now … (W)e need to keep finding solutions. And that can only happen by working together and by listening.
“(Translation) Mr. Speaker, as a country we are called upon to find a path forward. It is our job to choose respect and communication. We must not embark upon a path where we refuse to listen, or where we give in to hostilities. That is not the solution. (Translation ends)
“There are those who would want us to act in haste. Who want us to boil this down to slogans and ignore the complexities. Who think that using force is helpful. It is not. Patience may be in short supply and that makes it more valuable than ever …
“More and more people are frustrated that there’s such uncertainty. And more and more we see those debates carried with increasing intensity on the margins of our democratic conversations. The place for these debates is here in this House. The place for these debates is around kitchen tables and community centres in this country. And yes there is always a place for Canadians to protest and express their frustrations. But we need to make sure that we are also listening to each other …
“The reality of populism, Mr. Speaker, and its siren song in our democracies these days, is that desire to listen only to ourselves and people who agree with us and not to people of another perspective …
“As a country, and as a government, we need to continue the work that we are doing and we need to continue to walk this road together. To everyone I say we are extending our hands in good faith for dialogue. The opportunity is there on the table right now. We’re in this together… Let us have the courage to take this opportunity and take action together and so to build a better path for Canadians.