Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says it’s the rising rhetoric and abuse from a very small group of people that upsets him more than a threat against him.
Someone associated with the Freedom Convoy headed to Parliament Hill yesterday messaged the New Democrat, telling him he should be “jailed, charged with war crimes and actually sent to Hell.”
Angus understands everyone being on edge over the pandemic and wanting a symbol to say “enough is enough”.
“But the pandemic doesn’t care if we’re tired,” he remarks. “The Americans don’t care if we’re going to be blocking our own highways. They’re not going to let a small group of unvaccinated truckers across the border. Those are the facts, Ma’am.”
What also upsets him is the warning from Parliamentary Security that member’s offices and families are potential targets.
“For the vast majority of people who are supporting the convoy, peaceful protest, great,” the MP states. “Do your thing. Parliament has seen a thousand million protests over the years, but I have never seen a situation where house security are worried about threats against the elected representatives of the people of this country.”
Angus has instructed his staff to stay focussed on the positive work they do. He also pledges to keep working, regardless of how many trucks converge on the Hill tomorrow. They can honk all they want, Angus says.