Lametti says suggestion to use tanks to end freedom protest was a joke

Lametti says suggestion to use tanks to end freedom protest was a joke

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and Justice Minister David Lametti discussed using military tanks to end the freedom protest just days after it began, text messages released in the Public Order Emergency Commission (POEC) reveal.

Lametti says suggestion to use tanks to end freedom protest was a joke
Lametti says suggestion to use tanks to end freedom protest was a joke.

Lametti was asked about the texts while testifying at the POEC on Wednesday. 

On Feb. 2, during the first week of the Freedom Convoy protest, the justice minister texted Mendicino about how to end the convoy.

“You need to get the police to move. And the [Canadian Armed Forces] if necessary. Too many people are being seriously adversely impacted by what is an occupation,” Lametti wrote. 

“How many tanks are you asking for,” Mendicino responded. 

“I just wanna ask Anita how many we’ve got on hand,” he said, referring to the National Defense Minister Anita Anand.

“I reckon one will do!” Lametti replied.

When asked about the texts, Lametti told the commission he was joking about using tanks to remove freedom demonstrators, calling it “banter.”

Critics were quick to draw comparisons to the Chinese Communist Party’s move to deploy tanks against its citizens during the Tiananmen Square massacre, in which the government murdered citizens protesting for freedom.

“No biggie. Just a couple of taxpayer funded maniacs, the public safety minister and the attorney general, considering going full maple syrup Tiananmen Square because of some hot tubs and a traffic jam. (Only 4 days into the convoy),” tweeted Rebel News reporter Sheila Gunn Reid.

Other texts showed that Lametti called then-Chief of Ottawa Police Sloly “incompetent.” Sloly resigned in mid-February over dissatisfaction with his handling of the Freedom Convoy protests, with had then been planted in the downtown core for weeks.

Ministers also expressed concern for non-white protesters when determining their response. Lametti told the commission the concern arose over systemic racism.

Share this story

Donate now to keep us on the front lines:

Help Keep your News Free

It's crucial we stay in touch

Big Tech wants to censor us, that’s why you need to stay in touch.

[wpp limit=6 order_by='views']

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE...

Trending News

Singh considers allowing transgender refugees from the U.S. into Canada after Trump signs Executive Order recognizing only the male and female gender.

Walid Tamtam

January 23, 2025

Trending News

One of the largest automakers in the world will remove 1,500 jobs from Canada and bring them to Illinois days after Trump took office.

Walid Tamtam

January 22, 2025

Trending News

After India’s most recent election, only 11 members of India’s parliament are Sikh, compared to 15 Sikh MPs in Canada.

Walid Tamtam

January 16, 2025

Trending News

Public outcry has forced an Islamist group that advocates for overthrowing sovereign governments to cancel its annual conference in Canada.

Walid Tamtam

January 14, 2025

Trending News

According to the immigration and refugee board of Canada, 98% of Iranian refugee applications and 97% of Turkish applications are accepted.

Walid Tamtam

January 12, 2025

Trending News

Trump doubles down on his idea of Canada/US merger: “Canada and the United States? That would really be something!”

Walid Tamtam

January 7, 2025

Want to join the conversation?

Sign up now to be able to like, comment and reply to other members. A full membership to our site includes:

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.