Stop the protests before it’s too late

Re: Eastern Ontario rail blockade still in place as provincial police keep watch, Feb. 14.

I worry about the final outcome, as protests block passenger train and freight traffic. As the transportation of food, grain, propane, etc. comes to a standstill, Canadian workers will be laid off and as CN Rail says, “Canada’s reputation as a stable supply chain operator will be harmed.”

These rail blockades are illegal and eventually the police will have to move in and remove them. This most likely will result in violence. Once violence starts and people on either side are injured or killed, it can’t be undone.

We live in one of the most prosperous, democratic countries in the world. Peaceful legal protests are part of our democracy and need to be heard and acted on where appropriate. Canada is not perfect; some things need to be changed. At the same time, illegal protests that harm the economy and Canadian jobs have to be stopped, and this can result in violence. I hope protesters will consider these consequences before it is too late.

Joanne Sonley, Ottawa