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MacGregor calls for end of border blockades

MP’s motion passed unanimously by federal committee
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Alistair MacGregor, MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, wants to see the end of border blockades. (File photo)

During the meeting of the federal Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on Monday, Feb. 14, NDP critic and MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford Alistair MacGregor put forward a motion calling for the immediate end of the illegal blockades at Canada’s border crossings.

McGregor said that at a time of severe strain to Canada’s supply chains, the blockades are interrupting millions of dollars of daily trade between Canada and the United States and are negatively impacting Canadian agriculture and agri-food industries, including producers, manufacturers, and processors.

“These illegal blockades have already resulted in too many Canadian workers being laid off,’” said MacGregor.

“While I am pleased to see that the Ambassador bridge has been reopened, extremist occupiers are still obstructing border crossings in Alberta and Manitoba, with threats by convoy adherents to implement further blockades across the country. This has to stop.”

MacGregor’s motion, which was passed unanimously, calls on all governments to play a leadership role in keeping these vital trade networks open for the thousands of agricultural businesses and workers who depend on them.

Trade and industry experts estimate the border blockades to already total more than $1 billion in lost trade revenue. “Canadian farmers and food suppliers have been missing national leadership during this crisis,” added MacGregor.

“They’re tired of jurisdictional excuses and political gamesmanship. We owe it to them to use every tool available to stop these blockades that are harming Canadian workers and their families, and I am pleased that my colleagues in committee agreed and supported my motion.”

Moves had been made Tuesday to clear several of the blockades.