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OTTAWA — Quebec’s premier says he wants Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to issue an ultimatum to protesters to take down within days blockades that have disrupted rail and road traffic across the country.

Francois Legault says that if a federal deadline is not respected, co-ordinated police action could be necessary to restore transportation links and end what he calls an illegal action threatening people’s jobs.

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Hours later, Via Rail announced it was temporarily laying off close to 1,000 employees due to rail line closures.

In a statement, Via Rail says it regrets the decision but “has no choice.”

“This general interruption is an unprecedented situation in our history,” said Cynthia Garneau, president and CEO in a statement. “In 42 years of existence, it is the first time that Via Rail has to interrupt its services across the country.”

Legault is to make his point Wednesday in a 4 p.m. conference call with the 13 premiers and territorial leaders. The call is organized by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who has also expressed dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s handling of the crisis.