The Ontario Provincial Police has warned protesters at the railway blockade setup on traditional Tyendinaga Mohawk territory that they had until just before midnight ET to leave the tracks, sources in the Mohawk community tell Global News.
Sources say that police have told the Mohawk community they have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday night to get off the tracks, that those at the blockade are concerned about violence and that enforcement action isn’t expected until Monday morning.
There is currently no plan for those at the blockade to leave, the sources added, saying that they are preparing for police to move in.
But other sources said there are discussions in the community about what should be done.
One source said some who have been at the barricades are seriously considering a CN/OPP offer to take down the barricades and avoid charges. The source noted people are weary after weeks on the tracks.
The Wet’suwet’en solidarity blockades have shut down railroads and transport lines across the country for more than two weeks.
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Blockades similar to the one on Tyendinaga Mohawk territory in Eastern Ontario have appeared across Canada — in British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The latest development comes two days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it is time for injunctions against the blockades to be enforced.
“Every attempt at dialogue has been made but discussions have not been productive. We cannot have dialogue when only one party is coming to the table,” he said on Friday.
“The fact remains: the barricades must now come down. The injunctions must be obeyed and the law must be upheld.”
Trudeau also had phone calls with the premiers of Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. on Sunday regarding the blockades.
A call readout by the prime minister’s office says that Trudeau “informed the premiers of measures being taken to ensure that critical needs are addressed across Canada, including propane, chemicals to treat drinking water, and essential agricultural products.”
“We will remain in close contact with all provinces to address urgent needs as required, and we will continue to support coordinated efforts to find a resolution,” the call readout said, adding that Trudeau and the premiers have “reiterated their commitment to resolving the situation peacefully.”
— With files by Global News staff
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