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Calkins: Illegal pipeline protests highlight double standard in Canada
One year ago, almost to the day I stood outside in frigid temperatures as the United We Roll convoy left Red Deer for Ottawa to deliver its message in support of the oil and gas industry on Parliament Hill.
Today there are people across this country who are illegally protesting or hired to protest for a few members of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation AGAINST the oil and gas industry.
Now, in my fourteen years as an MP I have seen many rallies on Parliament Hill. First Nations, Falun Dafa, union workers and the like have all had their opportunity to have their voices heard. They’ve all been respected and allowed to gather on the sidewalk and steps in front of the Peace Tower, at all seasons of the year.
Whether you agree with United We Roll or not, it is irrefutable that this convoy arrived in Ottawa and delivered their message peacefully and with very little disruption. They obtained permits, they arrived when they said, did what they said, and they left when they said.