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By Justin Dionne

MP says United We Roll Convoy made its message loud and clear

Feb 20, 2019 | 4:30 AM

Our member of parliament is saying the United We Roll Convoy has made its message to Ottawa loud and clear.

Grande Prairie-Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin says the protestors made their voices heard on how they feel about the carbon tax and Bill C-69, which makes changes to how environmental assessment of energy projects are made, and Bill C-48, which bans oil tankers from B.C.’s northern coast.

“I can tell you that while it’s cold here in Ottawa, these guys are heating things up with their energy,” says Warkentin. “Obviously this is a long haul that these guys have made to bring a message to the Prime Minister. It’s been very loud and clear, of course, with bills such as Bill C-69, and bills including the tanker ban on the west coast, as well as others – The industry knows, and individuals who work in the oil and gas industry know, that if this bill passes, it’ll be a major detriment to the industry.”

Warkentin notes that while the message about environmental and energy policies was made clear, there’s still uncertainty among the protestors about what could happen to the oil and gas industry.

“Well I think they’re enthusiastic to share their message, but there is a sense of desperation and an understanding that if the government will not reverse course, if it will not do away with Bill C-69, or at least amend it significantly, it’s going to have a lasting impact on the industry and the families that depend on the energy sector.”

 Warkentin explains the protestors are stressing that if the proposed legislation is passed, the speculated billions of dollars lost in the energy sector will continue to grow.

The convoy left Red Deer on Valentine’s Day and is expected to interrupt traffic in Ottawa for about two days.

by Justin Dionne