Canadian train operator Via Rail has just announced that they will be laying off close to 1,000 employees as a result of the Wet'suwet'en railway blockades.

Last week, the company was forced to cancel trains between Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal and several other Canadian cities.

Now, Via Rail is temporarily firing hundreds of employees that the company can no longer afford to pay.

VIA Rail issues temporary layoffs for 875 workers, union says. 'We recognize that these are a result of external factors outside both the employer and the union’s control, and expect these to be temporary disruptions,' statement from Unifor President Jerry Dias says.

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) February 19, 2020

The company said that it is with "regret" that they must issue temporary work suspensions.

President and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Garneau called the situation "unprecedented."

She said, "In 42 years of existence, it is the first time that VIA Rail, a public intercity passenger rail service, has to interrupt most of its services across the country. At this point, we believe we have made the fairest and most reasonable decision with the proposed temporary suspension plan."

Canadians are understandably upset by the news.

Many people are urgently calling for Justin Trudeau to take action on the railway blockades.

VIA RAIL lays off 1000 employees. Is this how @JustinTrudeau is "working extremely hard" for middle class Canadians? Canadians deserve better. #AnotherTrudeauFail #cdnpoli #Wetsuwenten https://t.co/lqKZGtDAqA

— Lou Lou (@happylou12) February 19, 2020

While others are merely shaking their heads and wishing the Prime Minister good luck on the PR nightmare.

What @JustinTrudeau is doing is not politically survivable. 1000 Via Rail employees losing their jobs is a PR disaster for aboriginal and Liberal party causes The next government will be a "law and order" no-nonsense program. Good luck then. #cdnpoli #FirstNations #Blockade

— Andrew Krystal (@AndrewKrystal) February 19, 2020

Via Rail says that it "hopes for a decisive resolution between the various parties" involved in the railway blockade.