Saskatchewan convoy organizer in Ottawa says he isn’t going anywhere

The leader of the Saskatchewan portion of a protest convoy that has been in Ottawa for the last three weeks says unless police come with handcuffs, he and his team aren’t going anywhere.

Speaking on Gormley on Tuesday, Chris Barber said they haven’t finished what they set out to accomplish in Ottawa.

“We’re in talks with the city (of Ottawa) right now,” he said. “We really wish we’d have a little bit more conversations with the federal government. Unfortunately, they’ve pretty much ignored us since we got here.”

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would, for the first time, invoke the Emergencies Act to try to put an end to the protests not only in Ottawa but also at border crossings across the country.

“After discussing with cabinet and caucus, after consultation with premiers from all provinces and territories, after speaking with Opposition leaders, the federal government has invoked the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations,” he announced.

“These illegal blockades are hurting Canadians, and they need to stop,” he added.

The act gives the RCMP the power to enforce municipal bylaws and provincial laws. It will also allow the federal government to protect critical infrastructure like borders and airports from blockades.

The act allows the federal government to broaden the scope of money laundering rules to cover crowdfunding sites to try and stop others from financially backing the protest. Banks can also freeze corporate and personal accounts if they suspect the money is being used to further illegal blockades.

Asked if he was worried about his bank accounts, Barber said: “Nah, they can take it … (Federal officials) are trying everything they can to try and stop us … We need to put a stop to this.”

Barber contends the protesters he’s with are peaceful, and he doesn’t condone violence. However, until police move in and direct them to leave, they’re staying right where they are.

“We’ll follow any direction of law enforcement,” Barber said. “We’ve said it right from Day 1: If you’re confronted by a police officer and the handcuffs come out, put your hands behind your back. Take it like a man.

“I’ve never been arrested by police. I’ve never had handcuffs on … If that comes, I’ll be the first guy to get arrested.”

He even said it might do their cause some good if there are some arrests.

“It would benefit us right now and Canadians if a few of us were arrested, I guess,” Barber said. “I don’t think anyone wants to get to that level. But if they go that far with enforcement, I guess count me in.”